Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ketchikan? 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Ketchikan $39
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:
- 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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $94Ketchikan $92
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
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Ketchikan $46
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS” city highlights, wildlife and more!: $100
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
- 2 Hour Private Tour with locals ( Price up to 5): $300
- 2 hr Private Custom Tour of Ketchikan (14 people) Wildlife + More: $250
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours: $125
- Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $282
- Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion: $260
- Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours: $100
- Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast: $196
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Ketchikan $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Ketchikan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Ketchikan?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan 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, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Ketchikan. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ketchikan in the Spring?
Both Ketchikan 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, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Ketchikan | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.