Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Nassau?
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 Chiang Mai and Nassau. 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: Chiang Mai or Nassau?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesNassau Prices
Bahamas Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $58Nassau $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $227. 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 Chiang Mai and Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Nassau $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.97Nassau $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.19
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Moped Rental$5.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gems Gallery Chiang Mai with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $2.33
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Mon Jam Direct Transfer from Chiang Mai by Shared Minivan: $8.94
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $9.14
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Scenic Mountain Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $17
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $20
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer CNX and Chiang Mai Hotels: $20
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport: $21
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:
- Nassau Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Paradise Island: $360
- Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $335
- Round Trip Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfers: $301
- Luxury Airport Transfer in Nassau – VIP Mercedes Sprinter Service: $250
- Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included: $200
- Airport Transfer: $190
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Eastern District: $185
- Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $179
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
- One-Way Private Airport to Hotel Transfer Service: $162
- Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $20Nassau $91
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.82
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.72
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Casual Breakfast$1.19
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.97
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Mangoes$0.89
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Coffee$1.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $27
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Chiang Mai Lanna Thai Cooking Class with Mae Malai Market: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $103
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $119
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Flavors of Nassau Food Tour: $135
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
- Experience Breakfast,Lunch or Dinner in the sky of Nassau Bahamas: $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Nassau $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$39
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.79
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Kratong Lessons$2.98
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Pedicure$4.47
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.37
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.21
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $9.92
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $12
- Chiang Mai Old City Temple Tour: $13
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Hidden Temples and Lanna Heritage Tour: $18
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour: $18
- Chiang Mai Temples & Old City Hidden Gems Small Group Tour 2 Hrs: $19
- Chiang Mai Bar Hopping Night Tour: $19
- Best Seller! Doi Suthep & Wat Umong Night Tour: $19
- Siam Dragon Cabaret Show Ticket Chiang Mai: $21
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:
- 1.5 Hour Bahamas Special City Tour and Nassau City Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hour Smart Eco Segway Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Islands Tour Swim with Pigs Turtles Snorkeling and Lunch: $175
- 3 Islands Tour, Swim with Pigs, Turtles, Snorkelling & lunch: $175
- 3 V's Guided Scooter or ATV Tour in Nassau: $250
- 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250
- 4-Island Tour Swimming Pigs, turtles, snorkeling , rose island,: $175
- ATV Guided Historical Site Tours Nassau: $175
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $200
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
- Audio Driving Tour Around St. Simons Island: $9.99
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.39Nassau $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $17
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:
- Bottle Your Own at John Watling's Distillery: $20
- Rum Tasting Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
- Mixology Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
- Rum Tasting Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Nassau?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Nassau?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nassau in the Summer?
Both Nassau and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nassau. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Nassau in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nassau in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Nassau. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Nassau. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Nassau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Nassau averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nassau in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Nassau. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Nassau. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Nassau. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nassau in the Spring?
Both Nassau and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nassau. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Nassau in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.