Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or San Diego? 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesSan Diego Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258San Diego $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $233. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or San Diego? 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: San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37San Diego $23
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:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $276
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $165
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $140
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $125
- Sedan Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego: $125
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $112
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $112
- Sedan Departure Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN: $104
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Transfer to San Diego downtown: $90
- Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $89
- Private Transfer from San Diego (SAN) Airport to San Diego City: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $94San Diego $77
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2-Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- 2-Hour Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in San Diego: $75
- 2 Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef in San Diego : $75
- Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $84
- San Diego Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60San Diego $48
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Gaslamp Quarter to Little Italy Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation and Mountain Hike Tour in San Diego: $62
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $28
- San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- The Coronado Walking Tour: $129
- The La Jolla Walking Tour: $119
- The Little Italy Walking Tour: $99
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego and Old Town: $52
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $25
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- $99 Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours - DayTrip to baja from San Diego: $123
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249
- Private Temecula Wine Tour from Escondido: $300
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and San Diego, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Thomas in July average around 29°C (83°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than San Diego. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Saint Thomas during the autumn 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In October, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Saint Thomas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as San Diego. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Saint Thomas is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Thomas in April average around 27°C (80°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.