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

Should you visit Mandeville or Nassau?

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

Should I visit Mandeville 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: Mandeville or Nassau?

Mandeville

Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Mandeville?

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 Mandeville is $95, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $226. 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 Mandeville and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandeville $37
    Nassau $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandeville $74
    Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Mandeville 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 Mandeville


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: Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mandeville $30
    Nassau $32

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:

  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals , ATLANTIS : $170
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $175
  • Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $136
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included : $200
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $160
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $180
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Mandeville 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
    Mandeville $41
    Nassau $91

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
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandeville $8.01
    Nassau $37

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:

  • 3 Hour Smart Eco Segway Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 4-Island Tour Swimming Pigs, turtles, snorkeling , rose island, : $180
  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • Bahamas Funtastic Party Bus Tours: $99
  • Discover Nassau by Land and Sea Tour: $109
  • Fun Atv tour in Nassau with Lunch: Drivers must be 25 years old: $149
  • Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
  • Sail & Snorkel Adventure with 1 Hr. Open Bar: $120
  • 3 Islands Boat Adventure: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling And Turtles: $149
  • 3 V's Guided Scooter or ATV Tour in Nassau: $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandeville $6.27
    Nassau $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.49


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Nassau?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mandeville. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville 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 Mandeville 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 Mandeville or Nassau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mandeville as well as Nassau. Mandeville attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. Mandeville usually gets less rain in July than Nassau. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mandeville this time of the year. In the summer, Mandeville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Mandeville gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.

In July, Mandeville is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 29°C (83°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mandeville 29°C (83°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Mandeville or Nassau in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. It's quite rainy in Mandeville. In October, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Nassau. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mandeville. Mandeville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau during autumn. Mandeville gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mandeville is around the same temperature as Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mandeville 28°C (82°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mandeville or Nassau in the Winter?

Both Nassau and Mandeville during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mandeville because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

Mandeville usually gets more rain in January than Nassau. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mandeville. In the winter, Mandeville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Mandeville gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Mandeville is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mandeville in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mandeville 26°C (79°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Mandeville or Nassau in the Spring?

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

In April, Mandeville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nassau. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In Mandeville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mandeville usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during spring. Mandeville gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mandeville is generally a little warmer than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 26°C (80°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mandeville 26°C (80°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Mandeville

Mandeville Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 101 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)