Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Virginia Beach?
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 Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas?
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.
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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Virginia Beach Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVirginia Beach $148Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $148, 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 Virginia Beach and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVirginia Beach $71Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVirginia Beach $142Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Virginia Beach $39Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:
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Beach Parking$10
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:
- 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 Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Virginia Beach 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 dayVirginia Beach $52Saint Thomas $94
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.Virginia Beach $21Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.
- Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $32
- Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
- Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
- Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
- Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!: $90
- Wetland Zip Tour: $65
- Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $64
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 dayVirginia Beach $11Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas?
Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas?
Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Virginia Beach is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 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 JulyVirginia Beach 79°F (26°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Virginia Beach is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 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 OctoberVirginia Beach 62°F (16°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Saint Thomas. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In the winter, Virginia Beach is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 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 JanuaryVirginia Beach 39°F (4°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Virginia Beach or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Saint Thomas. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In April, Virginia Beach is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 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 AprilVirginia Beach 58°F (14°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Virginia Beach
| Virginia Beach | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 39°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 49°F (10°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 58°F (14°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.7 inches (145 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (25°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 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.