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

Should you visit Istanbul or Nassau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Nassau, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Nassau?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $157, 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 Istanbul and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $73
    Nassau $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $146
    Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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 Istanbul


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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $34
    Nassau $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

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


  • Metro Cards
    $4.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Fast & Luxury VIP Private Transfer | IST Airport & Hotel pickup: $8.12
  • Istanbul VIP Shopping Experience with Transfers and Refreshments: $9.00
  • Sapanca & Masukiye Day Tour from Istanbul with Lunch & Transfer: $15
  • Princess Islands Day Trip w Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $17
  • Istanbul IST Airport Transfer to or from Old City & Taksim Hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer to/from Istanbul Airport (IST): $27
  • Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $28
  • Istanbul Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $29
  • Istanbul Luxury Yacht Cruise with Transfer Option: $29
  • Guided Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Transfer: $29
  • Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service: $30
  • Private Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Transfer hotel-airport: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

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


  • Water Taxi
    $7.99
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Nassau Private Airport & Cruise Port Transfer: $30
  • Airport Transfer Paradise Island: $40
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
  • One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $68
  • Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Cruiseport Transfer to Airport: $69
  • Private One-way Transfer Lynden Pindling Airport To Nassau: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Istanbul 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
    Istanbul $58
    Nassau $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
  • Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
  • Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $29
  • Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus View Tavern Dinner & Belly Dance Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $30
  • İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $32
  • Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkis Night Show in Istanbul: $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.

  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $103
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $119
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • Experience Breakfast,Lunch or Dinner in the sky of Nassau Bahamas: $176
  • NEW! Authentic Bahamian Cooking and Cocktails with Transfers: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $38
    Nassau $37

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • Istanbul Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.47
  • Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.48
  • Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
  • Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.51
  • Istanbul's Karaköy Neighbourhood: A Self-Guided Photography Tour: $6.79
  • Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul: $6.96
  • Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Old City: $8.00
  • Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide: $8.12
  • Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $9.00
  • Istanbul Istiklal Street Story Self Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ihlamur Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide: $10

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:

  • Nassau Junkanoo Rum & Ramparts Self-Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Audio Driving Tour Around St. Simons Island: $9.99
  • KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
  • Museum of Junkanoo Guided Tour and Entry Ticket: $11
  • Junkanoo Costume Workshop and Museum Tour: $35
  • Roundtrip Beach Shuttle from Nassau Cruise Terminal: $35
  • Nassau City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
  • Nassau Through Living History: Private Reflective Walking Tour: $48
  • Nassau Bahamas: Jetcar Excursion to Pig Island Tour $450: $50
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50
  • Guided Walking Tour with Local Treats: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $10
    Nassau $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $17
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $208

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Bottle Your Own at John Watling's Distillery: $20
  • 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 Istanbul and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Nassau?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Nassau?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Nassau in the Summer?

Both Nassau and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Istanbul is cooler than Nassau in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°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 Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Nassau during summer. Istanbul gets 333 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, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Nassau. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Nassau in the Autumn?

Both Nassau and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Nassau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Nassau averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Istanbul gets 169 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. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Nassau. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Nassau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Nassau. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Nassau. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Nassau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Nassau. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

Istanbul is much colder than Nassau in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°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, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Nassau. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Istanbul

Istanbul Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)