Cost To Visit St. Thomas: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Is St. Thomas Expensive to Visit?

St. Thomas is moderately expensive compared to other Caribbean destinations. For U.S. travelers, it’s more affordable than destinations like St. Barts or the Cayman Islands, but pricier than the Dominican Republic or Jamaica.

The good news? As a U.S. territory, you won’t need a passport, currency exchange, or international cell plan. With plenty of guesthouses and local eateries, budget travel is very possible, even on a beautiful island like this.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Seasonal price changes
• Budget vs. luxury areas
• Food, lodging, and activity costs
• Daily and weekly budget ranges

Seasonal Cost

St. Thomas has a tropical climate, and prices fluctuate significantly depending on the season.

Peak Season (Mid-December – April)

• Sunny, dry weather
• Popular with cruise ships and winter tourists
• Highest rates for hotels, car rentals, and excursions

Shoulder Season (May – early June & November – early December)

• Fewer crowds
• Lower humidity and occasional showers
• Best value with mild weather

Off-Season (July – October)

• Hot, humid, and hurricane risk
• Lowest prices for flights and hotels
• Some tours may be canceled or reduced

Most Expensive Times To Visit St. Thomas

• Christmas and New Year (late Dec – early Jan)
• Spring Break (March – early April)
• Carnival (late April) – popular island celebration
• Independence Day / Summer Holidays

Cheapest Months To Visit St. Thomas

• September – October – lowest tourist traffic and best hotel deals
• Early December – just before peak pricing
• May – early June – still beautiful and far cheaper than winter months

Where You Stay

The cost of accommodations in St. Thomas varies widely based on the area and proximity to the beach or town.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

• Magens Bay / North Side
  • Luxury villas with ocean views
  • Peaceful and upscale, but less walkable
  • Near: Magens Bay Beach, Mountain Top, nature trails
• Red Hook (East End)
  • Popular for nightlife, restaurants, and ferry access to St. John
  • Boutique hotels and upscale condos
  • Near: Sapphire Beach, Secret Harbour, ferry to St. John
• Charlotte Amalie (Waterfront area)
  • Upscale resorts and convenient access to shopping
  • Historic charm but can be busy when cruise ships dock
  • Near: 99 Steps, Fort Christian, shopping districts

Affordable Areas To Stay

• Frenchman’s Bay / Bolongo Bay
  • Mid-range beachfront hotels and resorts
  • Relaxed vibe and good value
  • Near: Frenchman’s Reef, snorkel spots
• Havensight
  • Close to the cruise port, good for short stays
  • Budget hotels, shopping centers, restaurants
  • Near: Skyride to Paradise Point, Yacht Haven Grande

Cheapest Areas To Stay

• Tutu / Anna’s Retreat (Inland)
  • Budget guesthouses and local Airbnbs
  • Not directly on the beach, but affordable
  • Public transport or rental car recommended
• Altona / Suburbs near Charlotte Amalie
  • Local neighborhoods with basic accommodation
  • Best for travelers looking to save money and live more locally
  • May lack walkability and tourist amenities

St. Thomas Vacation Costs

Here’s a full breakdown of what you can expect to spend.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

• Budget Traveler
  • Guesthouses, hostels, Airbnbs inland
  • $60–$100 USD
• Moderate Traveler
  • Boutique hotels, condos, beach resorts
  • $150–$250 USD
• Luxury Traveler
  • High-end resorts, villas, beachfront properties
  • $400–$800+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

• Budget
  • Local cafes, food trucks, Caribbean takeout
  • $15–$25 USD
• Moderate
  • Sit-down meals, seafood, cocktails
  • $30–$60 USD
• Luxury
  • Fine dining, resort restaurants, wine pairings
  • $70–$150+ USD

Transportation Cost

• Safari Buses (open-air public transport)
  • Shared, local-style transport
  • $1–$2 USD per ride
• Taxi (flat rates by zone)
  • No meters, prices per person
  • Airport to Red Hook: $20–$25 USD per person
  • Around the island: $10–$20 USD
• Car Rental
  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • $65–$85 USD per day
  • Recommended for exploring beaches and remote areas
• Ferry to St. John
  • Round-trip: $16–$20 USD per adult

Attractions

• Magens Bay Beach – Entry fee: $5 USD
• Skyride to Paradise Point – $25 USD round-trip
• Coral World Ocean Park – $25 USD adult / $14 child
• Snorkel Excursions / Catamaran Sails – $90–$150 USD
• Kayak Tours or Night Paddleboarding – $50–$90 USD

Day Trips From St. Thomas

• St. John
  • 20-minute ferry from Red Hook
  • Stunning beaches and Virgin Islands National Park
  • Ferry: $8 one-way / $16 round-trip
  • Jeep rental on St. John: $85–$120/day
• Water Island
  • Quick ferry from Crown Bay
  • Quiet beaches and local bars
  • Round-trip ferry: $10 USD
• Buck Island (near St. Thomas)
  • Snorkeling day trips and catamaran cruises
  • $100–$150 USD per person

Daily Budget (Per Person)

• Budget Traveler
  • Guesthouse, local food, safari buses, DIY activities
  • $70–$110 USD per day
• Moderate Traveler
  • Beach hotel, mid-range meals, ferry rides, paid excursions
  • $150–$250 USD per day
• Luxury Traveler
  • Resort stay, private tours, upscale meals
  • $400–$750+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Cyril E. King Airport (STT):

• Peak Season: $550–$800
• Shoulder Season: $400–$650
• Off-Season: $300–$500

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St. Thomas Travel Guide (For 1st Time Visitors In 2025)

Let’s explore the islands of St. Thomas, and help you plan your upcoming adventure to the island.

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