Travel Budget for Saint Thomas Visit Saint Thomas on a Budget or Travel in Style

Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Saint Thomas is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Saint Thomas?

A typical traveler spends $258 per day on a trip to Saint Thomas. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Saint Thomas based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $94 on meals
  • $37 on local transportation
  • $261 on hotels

A one-week trip to Saint Thomas for two people costs, on average, $3,612. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $258
  • One Week Per person
    $1,806
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,612
  • One Month Per person
    $7,740
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,612
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $7,224
  • One Month For a couple
    $15,480
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Saint Thomas cost?

A one week trip to Saint Thomas usually costs around $1,806 for one person and $3,612 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Saint Thomas on average costs around $3,612 for one person and $7,224 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Saint Thomas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Saint Thomas on average costs around $7,740 for one person and $15,480 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Saint Thomas expensive to visit?

In Saint Thomas, budget travelers spend $111 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $258 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $519 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Saint Thomas.

Saint Thomas is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Saint Thomas has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.

Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Saint Thomas is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Montego Bay or Saint John's.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Saint Thomas Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Saint Thomas?

The average Saint Thomas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Saint Thomas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Saint Thomas cost?

Saint Thomas on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$57 $131 $250
Local Transportation1 $15 $37 $88
Food2 $40 $94 $194
Entertainment1 $26 $60 $120
Alcohol2 $6-17 $13-40 $29-88

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Saint Thomas. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

Saint Thomas on a Shoestring Budget?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $111 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Saint Thomas will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $258 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $519 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today! - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Saint Thomas

Prices for hotels in Saint Thomas vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $366, but during peak season, average prices climb to $683. With options ranging from $232 to $985, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Saint Thomas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $261. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $131 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $131
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $261

Hotels in Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Saint Thomas

The average hotel room price in Saint Thomas based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $366 in the low season and $683 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Saint Thomas

If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Saint Thomas

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $37 per person, per day, on local transportation in Saint Thomas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Saint Thomas is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $37

You have several transportation options for exploring St Thomas. Many people choose to rent a car because this gives them the greatest flexibility to see and experience as much as possible. If you're not interested in renting a car, there are several tours you can book to see the entire island. The cheapest tours are bus tours. These tours often come with large crowds and a limited number of sights, so if you have the money to spend it is recommended that you book a private tour instead. Buses have trouble accessing some parts of the island so you may find your experience limited. Whatever your preference, your easiest option is to inquire at your hotel where they can easily set you up with a guide or tour company.

For shorter trips, taxis are a decent option, but they can be somewhat expensive, particularly if it is late at night. Once you've arrived at your destination, walking is usually quite easy.

There are also ferries to several parts of the island. Ferries leave from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook and travel to other islands every couple of hours.

Transportation Tips

When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree for $110 details
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove for $160 details
  • Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way for $135 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Saint Thomas
How much does it cost to go to Saint Thomas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Saint Thomas
The price of renting a car in Saint Thomas will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Saint Thomas?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in Saint Thomas, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.00


Food Budget in Saint Thomas

For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Saint Thomas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Saint Thomas is $94 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $94

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Saint Thomas is around $94 ($94) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $194. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Saint Thomas are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $28
  • Lunch: $14 to $38
  • Dinner: $28 to $66
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

There are many restaurants at various resorts around the island. These restaurants range from budget to high end, but prices in general are marked up. There are also a few independent restaurants around the island. These restaurants can be a good value with decent food at reasonable prices. Seafood is readily available at most places. You can also find delis and cafes that have good lunch menus. Spanish-Caribbean and West Indian food are also available.

Most resorts and restaurants also have bars or nightclubs. Alcohol is quite expensive on the island, so most bars are geared specifically to tourists.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Saint Thomas. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour for $185 details
  • Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip for $295 details
  • Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John for $120 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Saint Thomas

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Saint Thomas typically cost an average of $60 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $60

Most people go to St Thomas for the ocean and outdoor activities. If you're looking for sights and attractions, however, you'll find some interesting places in Charlotte Amalie. The town's harbor is incredibly beautiful and has many sailboats and yachts. Paradise Point is a great place to take in a view of the harbor and city. Other sights within town include St Thomas Synagogue, Frederick Lutheran Church, and 99 steps. Outside of Charlotte Amalie you can visit Coral World Ocean Park, which allows you to get close to Caribbean marine life. You can also visit Fort Christian, which is a Danish built fort from the mid 1600s.



There is no shortage of activities you can try on Saint Thomas. Paragliding, golfing, tennis, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and kayaking are just an example of the options that are available to you on the island. Some people prefer to simply relax on the beach or take in a drink at the bar, but if you're looking for an adventure sport, there really is no shortage of them on Saint Thomas Island.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Saint Thomas. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private Open-Air Jeep Adventure–Hidden Beaches & Island Explorer for $290 details
  • St Thomas Sea Turtle Snorkel Kayak Adventure Tour for $139 details
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John for $169 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Saint Thomas

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Saint Thomas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $27
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Saint Thomas

  • Traveling a little slower can help you save money, as you can enjoy a lot of the beauty of the area while you relax. If you pack all of the activities into every day, you'll end up spending lots of money. But if you take it a little slower and enjoy your time, you'll usually end up spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Saint Thomas doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider renting a car or setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • Saint Thomas isn't particularly known for its hostels, so if you're expecting a budget dorm, you may need to reconsider. Look into affordable hotels or consider renting an apartment instead.
Related Articles
Traveling in Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas St. Thomas, USVI

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.

Saint Thomas's temperature is relatively consistent throughout the year. January's high temperature is usually in the high 80s Fahrenheit and August highs are in the low 90s Fahrenheit. Lows are usually in the mid to high 70s Fahrenheit throughout the year. Precipitation is highest during the fall months and lowest during February and March.



Neighborhoods & Around

St Thomas is only 31 square miles in size, but it has several notable cities. The largest two cities are Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. Charlotte Amalie is a port for many cruise ships and has a variety of places to visit. Frenchtown is a good place to grab dinner and drink. Red Hook is also referred to as East End and has a slightly more active nightlife with some good restaurants. There is also ferry service to Saint John.

The island also has many popular regions to visit. Magen's Bay is a beautiful bay with white sand beaches and several good bars to relax at. Hull Bay is the best place on the island to try your hand at surfing. Brewer's Bay is a small beach near the university. Sapphire Beach is a beach resort with some snorkeling, a pool, and a nice beach. If you're looking for the area's best snorkeling head to Coki Beach. Secret Harbour is a private resort but visitors can use the beach.

Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.