Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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 Seattle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Seattle? 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 Seattle?
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.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesSeattle Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Seattle $242
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Seattle? 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: Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Seattle $30
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 Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $265
- From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $265
- From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $172
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury Car: $160
- Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury Car: $160
- Seattle Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $150
- From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Seattle HTL-APT (SEA): $143
- SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $140
- Seattle Airport Transfer Arrival & Departures (outer city): $135
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $94Seattle $88
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 Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
- Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
- Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
- Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79
- Chef Food Tour of Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Center: $85
- Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market Holiday Food Tour: $110
- Pike Place Market Gourmet Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Seattle $16
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 Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges: $55
- Leavenworth Exclusive Tour from Seattle: $195
- 2 Hour Sound Tour: $118
- Bainbridge Island Discovery Tour: $137
- Bainbridge Island Serenity Forest Hike & Cultural Landmarks Tour: $235
- Bald Eagles Nesting Area Tour at Skagit River: $135
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
- Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
- Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
- Brunch Cruise with Buffet in Washington: $98
- Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
- Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Ticket: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Seattle $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
- Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
- Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
- Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
- All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Seattle, 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 Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Seattle?
Seattle has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Seattle, 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 Seattle?
Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?
Both Seattle 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 visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Saint Thomas often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Seattle in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Seattle. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Seattle in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Seattle. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Seattle. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Seattle in the Spring?
Both Seattle 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 beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Seattle. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Seattle | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 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.