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

Should you visit Saint Thomas or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Vernon? 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon 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
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Thomas $258
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Thomas $131
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Thomas $262
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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: Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Thomas $37
    Vernon -
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:

  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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
    Vernon $43

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
    Vernon -

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Thomas $27
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Vernon, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Vernon 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 Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Vernon?

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

Vernon 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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Vernon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Thomas is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Vernon. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Vernon. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Saint Thomas or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon 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.

In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Vernon. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)


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