Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Bern?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bern or Nassau?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bern or Nassau? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bern or Nassau?
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBern $252Nassau $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $252, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $189. 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 Bern and Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBern $163Nassau $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBern $326Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Bern and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Bern or Nassau? 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: Bern Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bern $34Nassau $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
- Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $192
- Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
- Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $30
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Nassau hotels to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
- Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
- Airport Transfers : $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau and Bern 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 dayBern $60Nassau $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.
- Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bern $34Nassau $37
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.39
- Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48
- Escape Game and Tour: $8.61
- Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
- Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
- Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Banana Boat Adventure in Nassau: $50
- Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50
- Private Historic Landmarks Walking Tour: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBern $27Nassau $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Nassau, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Nassau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bern is in Europe and Nassau 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 Nassau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nassau 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Nassau.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bern Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bern or Nassau?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Nassau, 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 Bern or Nassau?
Bern has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nassau experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bern or Nassau in the Summer?
Both Nassau and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Bern is cooler than Nassau in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Nassau. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBern 21°C (70°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bern or Nassau in the Autumn?
Both Nassau and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In the autumn, Bern is much colder than Nassau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Nassau averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun.
Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in October than Nassau. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBern 13°C (55°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bern or Nassau in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Nassau. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bern can be very cold during winter. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nassau. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBern 3°C (37°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bern or Nassau in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Nassau. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Bern is much colder than Nassau in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.
Bern usually gets more rain in April than Nassau. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBern 11°C (52°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Bern
| Bern | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.