Which place is cheaper, Detroit 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.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Detroit?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Detroit? 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 Detroit?
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.
Detroit
Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesDetroit Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Detroit $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $165. 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 Detroit in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Detroit $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Detroit
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Detroit? 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: Detroit Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Detroit $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- 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
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
- Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $155
- Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $155
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $142
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $108
- Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
- Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Detroit?
Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Thomas $94Detroit $76
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 Detroit
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Secret Food Tour with Tastings: $80
- Detroit Downtown Food Tour: 6+ Iconic Tastings in Motor City: $95
- Detroit Flavors Food Tour: $150
- Delicious in Detroit Food Tour: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Detroit $21
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt Interactive Walking Tour: $35
- Best Detroit Walking Tour: $105
- Best Downtown Detroit Historical Walking Tour: $100
- Chauffeured Historic Tour of Detroit with Flexibility : $65
- Detroit Drunks of Antiquity Historic Bar Tour : $65
- Detroit Food Walking Tour: $159
- Detroit Guided Pedicab Tour Explore the City in Comfort: $125
- Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $23
- Detroit Private Sightseeing Tour with Daily Chauffeur: $3,000
- Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $11
- Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour: $35
- Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Detroit $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Detroit, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Detroit is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas than you might in Detroit.
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 Detroit Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Detroit?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Detroit, 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 Detroit?
Detroit 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 Detroit in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Detroit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Detroit in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Thomas in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Detroit. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Detroit 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Detroit in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Detroit. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 28°C (82°F), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Detroit 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Detroit in the Winter?
Both Detroit and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Detroit because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Detroit can be very cold. Saint Thomas is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Detroit. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Detroit 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Detroit in the Spring?
Both Detroit and Saint Thomas during the spring 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
In the spring, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Thomas in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).
In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Detroit 49°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Detroit and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Detroit | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.