Which place is cheaper, Banos or Freeport?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Freeport or Banos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Freeport and Banos can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Freeport or Banos?
Freeport
When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.
This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.
Banos
Banos (de Agua Santa) is a small city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador under volcano Tungurahua. Its name, which is Spanish for "Baths (of sacred water)," comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. It's equally popular with foreigners as with Ecuadorians, and is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour agencies. Although it is very touristy, lots of people love it, more for the activities and surroundings than for the city itself. It is an important hub for outdoor sports and jungle tours.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFreeport $244Banos $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $244, while the average daily cost in Banos is $46. 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 Freeport and Banos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFreeport $141Banos $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFreeport $282Banos $32
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Banos
Looking for a hotel in Freeport or Banos? 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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Banos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Freeport $59Banos $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport
Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Freeport Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): Transfer to Freeport: $260
- Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $72
- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $194
- Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
- Grand Bahama Airport: One-Way Transfer to Freeport Hotels: $139
- Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $194
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Freeport Airport to Hotel: $133
- Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $167
- Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $233
- Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $29
- Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Banos?
Prices for flights to both Banos and Freeport 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 dayFreeport $64Banos $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175
Typical Food Prices in Banos
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Banos:
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Dinner$13
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Ice cream$1.50
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Coffee$2.50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Freeport $40Banos $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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10 Dive Package$300
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4 Hr. Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Freeport
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.
- Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
- Mamma Gal Native Experience : $70
- Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $82
- Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $85
- Rumbo Tour : $90
- Clear Kayak Tour: $120
- Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
- CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
- East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour : $200
- Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience: $250
- 4 Hour Private Sandy Cay Experience with Snorkeling - Adults Only: $275
Typical Entertainment Prices in Banos
Here are a few typical costs in Banos for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two Rented Bikes for the Day$10
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Cost to see Waterfall$2.00
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Day at the Spa$45
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2 Bike Rentals (1 Day)$10
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Entrance to Waterfall$2.00
Tours and Activities in Banos
Here are a few actual costs in Banos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adventure and Fun River Rafting in Baños Ecuador: $35
- 2 Hours Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Banos: $30
- 3 Hours Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Baños: $40
- 5-Hour Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Baños: $62
- Adventure Circuit 4 activities in 1. All within an impressive cascade: $25
- Adventure in Baños 3 Days 2 Nights: $225
- Animalpark | Theme Park | Tours | naturally fun: $45
- Baths Nature and Adventure 2 Days.: $190
- Canopy Ziplining in Puntzan Adventure Park: $26
- Canyoning Adventure Tour in the Ravine: $30
- Chimborazo Volcano Bike Tour: $95
- Chimborazo Volcano from Baños private day Tour: $139
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFreeport $30Banos $9.74
Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:
- Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $75
Typical Alcohol Prices in Banos
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Banos from other travelers:
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Beer$4.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Freeport and Banos, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. And not only is Banos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Freeport is in Caribbean Islands and Banos is in South America, 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 Banos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banos 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 Freeport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Freeport than you might in Banos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Freeport Expensive? and Is Banos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Freeport or Banos?
Freeport has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Banos. When comparing the sizes of Freeport and Banos, 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.
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.