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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Nassau?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Nassau?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

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 Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Florianopolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Nassau $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168

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:

  • Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $140
  • Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
  • Private Transfer from Nassau International Airport to Nassau City : $150
  • Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $124
  • Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport Nassau, Bahamas: $150
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $143
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Nassau $53
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

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.
    Florianopolis $26
    Nassau $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $30
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $39
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42

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
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Nassau $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59

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 Florianopolis and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis is in South 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.

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


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Nassau?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Nassau?

Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Nassau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Nassau. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

In January, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Nassauin July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Nassauin July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nassauin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Nassau in the Autumn?

Both Nassau and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Florianopolis is cooler than Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Nassauin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Nassau in the Winter?

Both Nassau and Florianopolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

In the winter, Florianopolis is cooler than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Nassauin January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Nassauin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Nassau in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Nassau. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Nassauin April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Nassauin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)