Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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 Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Whistler? 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 Whistler?
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.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesWhistler Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Whistler $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Whistler? 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: Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Whistler $20
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 Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
- Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $94Whistler $52
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 Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Whistler $78
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $124
- 2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $199
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
- Bear Safari 4x4 Adventure: $147
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $162
- Family Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $199
- From Vancouver: Shannon Falls and Whistler Sightseeing Tour: $179
- Full Day Ice Fishing Tour: $246
- Guided Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
- Mountain Breeze Tour - Mountain E Bike - Whistler Marmot Activity: $104
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Whistler $8.72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Whistler, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Whistler 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 Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.
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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Whistler?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
Whistler 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 Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler 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 Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Saint Thomas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Whistler. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Whistler. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. In January, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
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 Whistler. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler 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 small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Whistler. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.