Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee? 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 Milwaukee?
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.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan's western shore. It's known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley's. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee. In summertime, festivals let loose by the lake almost every weekend. These attractions along with stylish eating and shopping areas have turned Wisconsin's largest city into an interesting and attractive destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesMilwaukee Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Milwaukee $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $214. 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 Milwaukee in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Milwaukee $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Milwaukee
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Milwaukee? 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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Milwaukee $38
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 Milwaukee
Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $80
- Arrival Transfer from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee by SUV: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Milwaukee?
Prices for flights to both Milwaukee 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 $94Milwaukee $90
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 Milwaukee
For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kenosha Walking Food Tour: $70
- Milwaukee Food Tour with 5 Local Favorites Tastings & Secret Dish: $99
- Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
- Local Food Tour of 5 Delicacies & a Secret Dish: $104
- Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Milwaukee $26
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 Milwaukee
For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
- Christmas Past, Present and Future Light Tour in Milwaukee: $50
- City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
- Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $68
- Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
- Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
- Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
- Kenosha Metal Detecting Tour to Simmons Island Beach: $40
- Milwaukee Cheese Curd Kayak Tour: $175
- Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
- Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
- Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $1,126
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Milwaukee $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee
Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Milwaukee, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?
Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Milwaukee. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Thomas in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Milwaukee. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.
In October, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 28°C (82°F), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°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 Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee in the Winter?
Both Milwaukee 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.
It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. Saint Thomas is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee in the Spring?
Both Milwaukee 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.
In the spring, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Thomas in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).
In Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)
Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Milwaukee | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 inches (44 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.