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

Should you visit Nassau or Basse-Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Basse-Terre, 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: Nassau or Basse-Terre?

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.

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

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, Basse-Terre or Nassau?

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 Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Basse-Terre is $217. 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 Nassau and Basse-Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Basse-Terre $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Basse-Terre $210
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Basse-Terre

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Basse-Terre? 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 Nassau


Hotels in Basse-Terre


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 and Basse-Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Basse-Terre $9.39
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:

  • NAS Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $28
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
  • Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
  • Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Airport Transfers : $58
  • One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Basse-Terre?

Prices for flights to both Basse-Terre and Nassau 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
    Nassau $91
    Basse-Terre $93

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.
    Nassau $37
    Basse-Terre $55
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:

  • All New Tour with Seafood Snack Português & Español : $7.00
  • Historical & Cultural Walking Tour: $10
  • Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $25
  • Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
  • Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45
  • Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
  • Nassau City Tour: $46
  • Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $50
  • Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50
  • Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
  • Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Basse-Terre $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.49


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Basse-Terre, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Basse-Terre?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Basse-Terre, 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 Nassau or Basse-Terre?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Nassau or Basse-Terre in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basse-Terre. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Basse-Terre during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Basse-Terre in the Autumn?

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

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets less rain in October than Basse-Terre. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basse-Terre. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 217 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Basse-Terre averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Basse-Terre in the Winter?

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

In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Basse-Terre. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basse-Terre during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nassau is generally cooler than Basse-Terre. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Basse-Terre in the Spring?

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

It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Basse-Terre. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Basse-Terre. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 240 hours of full sun.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Basse-Terre and Nassau

Nassau Basse-Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)