A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cozumel vs. Nassau for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cozumel or Nassau?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cozumel and Nassau can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cozumel or Nassau?

Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Cozumel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cozumel is $118, 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 Cozumel and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cozumel $70
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cozumel $140
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Cozumel and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Cozumel 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.

Hotels in Cozumel


Hotels in Nassau


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: Cozumel Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cozumel $23
    Nassau $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

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

  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Cozumel to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM)Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel -Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Cozumel hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port: $44
  • Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport CZM Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Cozumel Island Transfers: $70
  • Wild Jade Cavern Private ATV Tour With Transfer: $86
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel Island Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
  • Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Cozumel or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Cozumel 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cozumel $24
    Nassau $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel: $61
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $110

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
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cozumel $44
    Nassau $37

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

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

  • 1 Hour and Half Private Tropical Fitness Experience in Cozumel: $6.03
  • Cozumel!! Guacamole And Margarita Fiesta!!! ( Virtual Experience): $12
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
  • 2 Hour Discover Mermaid Experience : $20
  • Cozumel El Cielo 3x1 Reefs Tour: $29
  • Clear Boat & Snorkel Cozumel Tour with Drinks: $37
  • Amazing Cozumel Buggy Adventure with Snorkeling Tequila and More: $39
  • Cozumel Buggy Adventure: Snorkeling and Tequila Tasting: $40
  • Off Road Adventure with ATVs and El Cedral Ruins: $40
  • Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $40
  • VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $40
  • Guided Day Tour in Cozumel on a Clear Boat and Electric Scooter: $41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 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:

  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • 2 Hours Sip and Snorkeling Experience in Bahamas: $150
  • 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250
  • ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV Island Tour(Beach Break+Lunch+Free Pickup/Drop Off: $188
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cozumel $11
    Nassau $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cozumel or Nassau?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Cozumel 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.