Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Tampa?
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 Tampa or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tampa or Saint Thomas? 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: Tampa or Saint Thomas?
Tampa
On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Tampa Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTampa $218Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $218, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Tampa and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTampa $85Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTampa $170Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Saint Thomas? 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: Tampa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tampa $69Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa
Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from TPA to Lakeland and Winter Haven: $171
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg Accommodation: $143
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $143
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater: $120
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach- Arrival Private Transfer: $118
- Private transfer Tampa airport To Ruskin, FL: $112
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Land O' Lakes Florida: $100
- Private One Way Transfer From Tampa to Tampa Airport : $99
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:
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- 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
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Tampa 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 dayTampa $92Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa
For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ybor City Food Tour with 5 Local Delicacies Tastings: $100
- Tampa Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Local Favourites Classics: $105
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tampa $20Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Tampa
For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $79
- 3 hour E.G. Simmons Park Mangrove Tunnel Tour: $64
- Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $41
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $63
- Clear Kayaking Glow Tour in Tampa Riverwalk: $74
- Discover Tampa with Local Stories from a Virtual Tour: $30
- Downtown Tampa Private Evening Cruise for up to 12ppl: $510
- Escape to Paradise: Private Island Boat Adventure in Tampa: $630
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $39
- Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTampa $26Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:
- Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
- Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
- Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
- Elevated Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $60
- Downtown 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour: $145
- Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart: $275
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampa and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Tampa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tampa is in North America and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Tampa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampa 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 Tampa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tampa Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tampa or Saint Thomas?
Tampa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Saint Thomas, 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 Tampa or Saint Thomas?
Tampa 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 Tampa or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Saint Thomas. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Tampa is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTampa 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tampa or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Saint Thomas. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In October, Tampa is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTampa 75°F (24°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tampa or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tampa is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTampa 60°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Tampa or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the spring, Tampa is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTampa 71°F (22°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Tampa
| Tampa | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.