Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Big Pine Key?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Big Pine Key, 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 Big Pine Key?
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.
Big Pine Key
If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Big Pine Key $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Big Pine Key is $144. 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 Big Pine Key in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Big Pine Key $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Big Pine Key
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Big Pine Key? 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: Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Big Pine Key $56
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:
- Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
- Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $150
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Private Transfer from Nassau International Airport to Nassau City : $150
- Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $124
- Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport Nassau, Bahamas: $150
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $143
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $143
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Big Pine Key?
Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key 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
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Food Meals for one dayNassau $53Big Pine Key $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Big Pine Key $42
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:
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
- 2 Hours Sip and Snorkeling Experience in Bahamas: $150
- 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $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
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $250
- ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
- ATV tours by RSR: $230
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
- Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Big Pine Key $9.29
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$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Big Pine Key, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Big Pine Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Big Pine Key is in North 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 Big Pine Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Big Pine Key Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Big Pine Key?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Big Pine Key, 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 Big Pine Key?
Big Pine Key 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 Nassau or Big Pine Key in the Summer?
Both Big Pine Key and Nassau during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 84°F (29°C).
In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Big Pine Key. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Big Pine Key in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Big Pine Key. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In October, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Big Pine Key in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Big Pine Key. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Big Pine Key. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Big Pine Key in the Spring?
Both Big Pine Key and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
In the spring, Nassau is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Nassau
| Nassau | Big Pine Key | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
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.