Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs?
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.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesPalm Springs Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Palm Springs $244
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $244. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Palm Springs? 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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Palm Springs $52
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $215
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport PSP Departure Transfer: $202
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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 $94Palm Springs $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Palm Springs $29
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
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Palm Springs Windmill Guided Tour by Golf Cart: $55
- 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $45
- 100+ Self-Guided Audio Tours: Driving & Walking Bundle: $100
- All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour: $50
- Bombay Beach Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain Guided Art Tour: $225
- Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours: $125
- Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $149
- Food Adventure Game: $99
- Golf Cart Tour in a 6 Passenger Cart in Palm Springs California: $195
- Guided Electric Motorbike Tour inside Joshua Tree National Park: $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Palm Springs $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Palm Springs
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palm Springs:
- Palm Springs Bar Crawl: $15
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Palm Springs, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?
Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in the Summer?
Both Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Palm Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Palm Springs in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Palm Springs. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in January than Palm Springs. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Palm Springs in the Spring?
Both Palm Springs 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.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In April, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Palm Springs | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 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.