US Virgin Islands Travel Budget - Visit US Virgin Islands on a Budget or Travel in Style

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Planning a trip to the US Virgin Islands doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a warm and relaxing destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to the US Virgin Islands?

You should plan to spend around $282 per day on your vacation in the US Virgin Islands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $85 on meals
  • $35 on local transportation
  • $261 on hotels

A one week trip to the US Virgin Islands for two people costs, on average, $3,948. 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
    $282
  • One Week Per person
    $1,974
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,948
  • One Month Per person
    $8,460
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,948
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $7,896
  • One Month For a couple
    $16,920
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 the US Virgin Islands cost?

A one week trip to the US Virgin Islands usually costs around $1,974 for one person and $3,948 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the US Virgin Islands on average costs around $3,948 for one person and $7,896 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 the US Virgin Islands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the US Virgin Islands on average costs around $8,460 for one person and $16,920 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in the US Virgin Islands?

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the US Virgin Islands is $238 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.


Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is the US Virgin Islands expensive to visit?

The US Virgin Islands is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, the US Virgin Islands is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Trinidad and Tobago or the Bahamas.

The US Virgin Islands caters to a wide range of budgets and travel styles, offering everything from budget-friendly sights to luxurious experiences. Affordable hotels are available for budget travelers, but there are also luxury hotels for those with deeper pockets, and plenty of mid-range hotels for couples and families.

It's easy to spend a lot in the US Virgin Islands, but there are also budget-friendly options, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.

On average, budget travelers spend $119 per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $282 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $602 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to the US Virgin Islands.

For more details, see Is the US Virgin Islands Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the US Virgin Islands?

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

the US Virgin Islands on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$57 $131 $255
Local Transportation 1 $14 $35 $86
Food 2 $36 $85 $173
Entertainment 1 $25 $57 $111
Alcohol 2 $6-17 $14-42 $33-98
From real travelers - How these numbers are calculated
Cruz Bay, St. John Cruz Bay, St. John

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

Many people might hear that you can explore the US Virgin Islands for just $119 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.

Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $282 per person each day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $602. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like Saint Thomas and Saint Croix.

Accommodation Budget in the US Virgin Islands

The range of hotel prices in the US Virgin Islands can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in the US Virgin Islands 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 the US Virgin Islands

Looking for a hotel in the US Virgin Islands? 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 the US Virgin Islands

The average hotel room price in the US Virgin Islands based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $387 in the low season and $722 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in the US Virgin Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $35 per person, per day, on local transportation in the US Virgin Islands. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in the US Virgin Islands is significantly more than public transportation.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $35
Local Transportation Tips


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When you have a car in one of the bigger cities, make sure to check with your hotel about their parking situation in advance. You might have to pay for parking at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Sometimes, it's more economical to park your car a bit outside of town.


Recommended Services

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in the US Virgin Islands, 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.


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.00
  • Scooter Rental
    $65


Food Budget in the US Virgin Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in the US Virgin Islands can vary significantly, the average cost of food in the US Virgin Islands is $85 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $85

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in the US Virgin Islands is about $85 ($85) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $36 to $173 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in the US Virgin Islands are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $15 to $25
  • Lunch: $13 to $42
  • Dinner: $30 to $68
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

You can find many excellent restaurants in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of the best, fine dining restaurants are geared toward tourists and are often affiliated with hotels. There are some casual, more local options available as well. Seafood is the food of choice for many people, but you can also enjoy many different fruits and vegetables. Local cuisine is often made with either fish, goat, or pork. Many of the dishes are based on stews or soups and are heavily flavored with vegetables and herbs. You can generally find fresh, seasonal fruit at roadside stands. This can make for a nice and cheap lunch or breakfast. There are several culinary festivals throughout the year as well if you're interested in the cuisine of the area.

Fungi: This dumpling like dish is a popular food option throughout the area. It is generally made from salted cornmeal which has been mixed with a combination of water, shortening, and often okra. It's considered a side dish and is often served along side of fish or meat dishes during a meal.

Callaloo: Callaloo is a hearty soup or stew that is made with the leaves of the dasheen plant. Occasionally they use a different green leafy plant like taro leaves or spinach. The soup is seasoned with okra, salted meats, black pepper, fish, onions and various spices. It has been compared to the gumbo stews available in Louisiana.

Rice and Beans: This is a traditional and common meal that is served throughout the area. It's usually seasoned with herbs and spices to give it more flavor. If you are ever in a local's home or a local restaurant, you're sure to have some experience with this dish. It's sometimes referred to as rice and peas, but generally beans are the accompaniment.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.

While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.

Bring a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great choice for the planet.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, make it a point to check which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, which can add to your total expenses.

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

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix for $90 details
  • Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour for $165 details
  • Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - St Thomas/St John/Snorkel Tour for $148 details
  • A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix for $90 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in the US Virgin Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in the US Virgin Islands typically cost an average of $57 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.
    $57
Sightseeing Tips

A nice way to explore destinations in the US Virgin Islands is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:

  • St Thomas Sea Turtle Snorkel Kayak Adventure Tour for $139 details
  • Luxury Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise for $109 details
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St Thomas Airport Transportation to Crown Bay Marina for $86 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in the US Virgin Islands, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.


  • Full Day Surfboard Rental
    $80
  • Full Day Kayak Rental
    $99


Nightlife Budget in the US Virgin Islands

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $28 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in the US Virgin Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $28
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is a top travel activity, but if you want to save money, reducing how much you drink is a great way to start.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in the US Virgin Islands. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Haunted pub crawl with salsa dancing, karaoke and ghost stories for $56 details

Recommended


St. Thomas, USVI St. Thomas, USVI

Budgeting and Travel Tips

  • the US Virgin Islands is a popular destination for tourists and the prices can climb dramatically during the peak season. Most places in the US Virgin Islands see the biggest crowds during the winter season. Hotels fill up and accommodation prices become more expensive during this time of the year. If you want to keep your budget low, then it's better to visit during the shoulder and low seasons.

Budgeting Challenges

  • The US Virgin Islands has a limited number of hostels, so if you're a backpacker hoping to find a cheap dorm, you may be in for an unexpected surprise.
  • The US Virgin Islands tends to cater to luxury travelers, with plenty of high-end resorts and fewer budget-friendly alternatives. You might need to adjust your travel style when visiting this more expensive destination.

Saint John Saint John
Related Articles
Saint ThomasSaint CroixSaint John
Traveling in the US Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands St. Croix

The US Virgin Islands (USVI) are an unincorporated organized territory of the USA. They are located east of Puerto Rico and generally have a comfortable climate. They do have a rainy season between May and November, which also corresponds with hurricane season. The islands have rolling hills and rugged mountains throughout, so there is very little flat land. This makes from some dramatic and beautiful landscape. They're generally a fun and safe way to experience the Caribbean and are highly recommended for American and international travelers. It's a popular travel destination for many Americans during the winter months when the mild climate is a wonderful escape from the cold winter weather up north.

There are three main islands that make up the USVI. Saint Croix is the largest of the islands and is to the south of the rest of the region. Saint John is a beautiful vacation option with a more relaxed atmosphere. There are a handful of resorts, a small town, and Virgin Islands National Park on the island as well. The national park covers sixty percent of the island, so the area is peaceful, isolated, and generally quiet. Saint Thomas is where you will find the busy capital city of the region.

Most travelers arrive in the U.S. Virgin islands by either plane or cruise ship. There are airports on both Saint Croix and Saint Thomas. Once on the islands you can travel throughout by passenger ferry. Ferries also connect the USVI to the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during peak seasons.

Most people choose to explore the islands by rental car. Although this can be a somewhat expensive option, it really is the best way to get around and see everything that is available on the islands. There is limited public transportation at best so if you're hoping to make the best use of your vacation time and want to experience the island outside of your resort, a rental car is recommended.

At A Glance
  • If you head to Saint Croix, you'll find the largest island in the area. It has many picturesque towns, rolling hills, and impressive rainforest. Some of the top sights on the island include Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. George Village Botanical Garden, and Christiansted Historic Site.

  • Saint John is both the smallest, and arguably the most beautiful island of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over half of its area is made up of the Virgin Islands National Park. You'll also find beautiful beaches, and impressive sights on the island, one of which is the U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

  • Saint Thomas is the most populated island in the area. It is also home to Charlotte Amalie, which is the capital city. Some of the best sights include the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Paradise Point, which looks out over the harbor, St. Thomas Synagogue, and Coral World.

  • If you're interested in local art, you'll find plenty here. The most popular area to see and buy art is Christiansted, where you'll find plenty of nice galleries. You'll have a good selection and variety of art that is worth checking out, and if you're in the market for a nice piece you can likely get a good price.

  • Many of the bars and pubs have happy hours. If you look around you'll find several places that offer dollar drinks during happy hour. The islands are also duty free, so you can pick up any number of souvenirs without the burden of taxes.

Related:

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

Top Tourist Attractions

Christiansted National Historic Site: This area is made up of five different preserved structures. Each structure is designed to represent the Danish economy and culture between the years of 1733 and 1917. It's a fascinating place to visit if you're interested in history and culture in the Caribbean.

Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve: This is where you will find the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands. It also has many beautiful coral reefs and a submarine canyon.

Virgin Islands National Park: This is the largest national park in the USVI and it covers sixty percent of Saint John. It has over seven thousand acres and is both a historical and natural representation of the island.



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.


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.
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