A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Thomas vs. Sonoma for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Thomas or Sonoma?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma?

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.

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma 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.

  • Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
    Sonoma Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Thomas $258
    Sonoma $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $260. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Thomas $131
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Thomas $262
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Sonoma? 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.

Hotels in Saint Thomas


Hotels in Sonoma


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: Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Thomas $37
    Sonoma $134
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Thomas $94
    Sonoma $96

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Thomas $60
    Sonoma $16

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 Sonoma

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.

  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $340
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $135
  • Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Thomas $27
    Sonoma $41


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Sonoma?

Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma 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, most visitors come to Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Thomas is much warmer than Sonoma in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Sonoma. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Sonoma. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 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) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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