Should I Visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

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• Which is Cheaper, Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas? (Travel Cost Comparison)
• Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?
• When to Visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Saint Thomas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Fort Lauderdale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Fort Lauderdale Prices
  USA Prices

  Saint Thomas Prices
  USVI Prices

• Average Daily CostPer person, per day

  Fort Lauderdale$182

  Saint Thomas$218

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Saint Thomas in more detail.

Accommodation

• AccommodationHotel or hostel for one person

  Fort Lauderdale$96

  Saint Thomas$131

• AccommodationTypical double-occupancy room

  Fort Lauderdale$192

  Saint Thomas$262

Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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:Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

• Local TransportationTaxis, local buses, subway, etc.

  Fort Lauderdale$51

  Saint Thomas$37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Fort Lauderdale HTL-APT (FLL):$285
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Fort Lauderdale APT-HTL (FLL):$285
• Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer (Round-Trip):$285
• Bimini Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Round-Trip Miami Transfer:$259
• Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) to Key Largo/ Marathon -Roundtrip Private Transfer:$223
• Private transfer from Port of Miami to Fort Lauderdale:$220
• Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami. Private Service.:$220
• Transfer to Miami:$200
• Fort Myers Transfer To Fort Lauderdale Airport (UP TO 14 PASSENG):$192
• Marco island Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport (UP TO 14PASS):$162
• Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton:$142
• Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Coral Gables:$136

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:

• Scooter Rental

  $65

• Taxi Ride

  $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas

Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer:$50
• Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to Charlotte Amalie - Arrival Transfer:$50
• Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer :$111
• PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian :$170
• PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove:$110
• 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
• Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville:$160
• Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven:$110
• Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI:$179
• Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport:$135
• Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay:$175

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Fort Lauderdale 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

• FoodMeals for one day

  Fort Lauderdale$49

  Saint Thomas$54

Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:

• Quick Lunch

  $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

• Immersive Sushi Cooking Class in Fort Lauderdale:$55
• All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise:$80
• Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour:$109
• Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour:$114
• Haitian Cooking Class:$175

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:

• St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch:$85
• Pizza Pi Shuttle™ (Official) - St Thomas :$95
• Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove:$109
• Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John:$115
• St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin:$119
• Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour :$145
• Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail:$159
• St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton:$159
• St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton:$169
• Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef:$209
• St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton:$209
• Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. :$213

Entertainment

• EntertainmentEntrance tickets, shows, etc.

  Fort Lauderdale$15

  Saint Thomas$60

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early):$29
• 2 Hour Intimate Cruise for 2ppl w/ Catering - Pompano Beach:$299
• 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale:$40
• 4 Hour Waterway and Sandbar Cruise:$1,150
• 60 min Guided Electric Bike Tour of Fort Lauderdale.:$79
• 90 min Guided Electric Bike Tours of Greater Fort Lauderdale:$99
• 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Fort Lauderdale, FL:$80
• 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale:$161
• Beach Snorkeling Adventure in Lauderdale by the Sea:$45
• Champagne Sunset Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale:$89
• Classic Fort Lauderdale Bike Tour:$75
• Day Trip To Freeport, Grand Bahama - Tickets only:$255

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

• Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience in St. Thomas:$5.00
• Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour:$10
• Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden:$16
• Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the US Virgin Islands:$27
• Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket:$29
• Admission Ticket to Coral World & co*ki Point Beach with Snorkeling:$40
• St. John Rum Tasting Experience Flavors of the Caribbean:$42
• Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John:$45
• Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon, St Thomas:$49
• Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour:$49
• Saint Thomas Half-Day Shopping and Sightseeing Tour:$55
• Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion :$58

Alcohol

• AlcoholDrinks for one day

  Fort Lauderdale$33

  Saint Thomas$27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:

• Beer

  $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

• Ft. Lauderdale Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl:$35
• Guided Happy Hour Bar Crawl by Beer Bike:$64
• Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale:$74
• Party Bike Bar Crawl:$74

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Fort Lauderdale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Summer Average TemperaturesJuly

  Fort Lauderdale83°F (28°C)

  Saint Thomas29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

• Autumn Average TemperaturesOctober

  Fort Lauderdale78°F (26°C)

  Saint Thomas28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Winter Average TemperaturesJanuary

  Fort Lauderdale67°F (20°C)

  Saint Thomas26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Fort Lauderdale is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

• Spring Average TemperaturesApril

  Fort Lauderdale75°F (24°C)

  Saint Thomas27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Fort Lauderdale