Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui or Nassau?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Nassau?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesNassau Prices
Bahamas Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Nassau $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, 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 Koh Samui and Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Nassau $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Nassau $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $9.00
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $13
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Koh Samui Private Airport Transfer: $15
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $17
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
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
- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $267
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $267
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $267
- Luxury Airport Transfer in Nassau – VIP Mercedes Sprinter Service: $250
- Private Bahamian Baking Class and Transfers with Chef Gabbi: $210
- Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included: $200
- Airport Transfer: $190
- Custom Family and Small Group Transfers for Comfortable Journeys: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $37Nassau $91
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $71
- Idyllic Half Day Sunset Cruise and Dinner in Koh Samui: $75
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Transfer: $79
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $80
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
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $119
- Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Nassau $37
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui Class@13:30 pm.: $2.30
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.64
- Koh Samui Paris Follies Cabaret Spectacular Evening Show Ticket: $17
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $17
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $19
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $25
- Koh Samui High-Speed Go Karting Adventure: $27
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $28
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $29
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:
- 3 Islands Tour Swim with Pigs Turtles Snorkeling and Lunch: $175
- 3 Islands Tour, Swim with Pigs, Turtles, Snorkelling & lunch: $175
- 3 islands Tour with snorkelling ,Pigs, Turtles & beach club lunch: $140
- 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
- A Thrilling ATV Adventure Exploring Nassau Bahamas: $270
- ATV Guided Historical Site Tours Nassau: $120
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $200
- Adults Only Booze and Cruise Swimming Pigs Snorkeling Sightseeing: $125
- Atv Guided Tours Nassau Bahamas: $250
- Audio Driving Tour Around St. Simons Island: $9.99
- Bahamas Adventure: Number 1 Scooter and Side by Side rentals: $140
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.07Nassau $19
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$6.51
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 Koh Samui and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Nassau?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Nassau in the Summer?
Both Nassau and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nassau. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Nassau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Nassau averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Nassau in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Nassau. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Nassau. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Nassau in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Nassau. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Koh Samui usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nassau. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Nassau in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Nassau in the Spring?
Both Nassau and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nassau. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Nassau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Nassau averages at about 23°C (74°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.