Which place is cheaper, Boston or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint Thomas or Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Boston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Saint Thomas or Boston?
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
-
Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesBoston Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Boston $291
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Thomas and Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Boston $166
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Boston
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Boston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Boston $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$65
-
Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
-
Taxi$35
-
Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $294
- Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $184
- Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
- Departure Private Transfer: Boston City to Boston Airport BOS in Luxury SUV: $142
- Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Car Service: $140
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
- Boston Logan International Airport: Transfer to Boston: $120
- Departure Transfer: Boston to Boston Airport BOS by Business Car: $118
- Arrival Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston by Business Car: $118
- Private Transfer from Boston City to Boston (BOS) Airport: $112
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Logan Airport: $99
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston and Saint Thomas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one daySaint Thomas $94Boston $86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
- Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
- Boston Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
- Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $65
- North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $69
- Boston Pizza Lovers Food & History Walking Food Tour: $69
- Pizza, Beer, and Paul Revere Tour: $75
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
- Boston North End Food Tour: Small Group Tasting Adventure: $76
- City Cruises Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $89
- Boston’s Politically Incorrect North End Food tour: $98
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Boston $33
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
-
Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
-
Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
- Freedom Trail Walking Tour: $26
- Salem Witch Tour: $80
- "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $30
- 1 If By Land Walking Tours: $45
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Boston With *20+ Stops: $48
- 1692 Salem Day Tour: $35
- 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Day Niagara Falls USA Tour from Boston: $49
- 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour: $40
- 2025 Halloween Party Cruises: $58
- 80-Min Non-Stop Narrated Tour of Historic Boston & Freedom Trail: $38
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Boston $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Boston Bar Crawl Back Bay Beat Bar Craw: $15
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
- 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $56
- Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour: $60
- Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste: $71
- Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston: $75
- Day Trip from Meadery Tour & Wine Tasting: $85
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Boston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Thomas Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Boston?
Boston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Boston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Saint Thomas or Boston?
Boston has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Boston in the Summer?
Both Boston and Saint Thomas during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Saint Thomas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Boston in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
In the autumn, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Boston. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Boston in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Boston. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. In January, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Boston. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Boston in the Spring?
Both Boston and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Boston. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.