Which place is cheaper, Big Sur or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Big Sur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Big Sur, 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 Sur?
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 Sur
Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.
However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.
While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Big Sur $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Big Sur is $0.00. 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 Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Big Sur $165
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Big Sur $330
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Big Sur
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Big Sur? 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 Sur -
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 Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
- Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
- Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $207
- Airport Transfer: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Big Sur?
Prices for flights to both Big Sur 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 Sur -
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 Sur -
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
Tours and Activities in Big Sur
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Big Sur.
- Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour: $13
- Big Sur Highway 1: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Big Sur -
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 Sur, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Big Sur 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 Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Sur.
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 Sur Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nassau or Big Sur?
Big Sur 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 Sur in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Big Sur. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nassau is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Big Sur 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Big Sur in the Autumn?
Both Big Sur and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.
Nassau is much warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Big Sur 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Big Sur in the Winter?
Both Big Sur and Nassau during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.
In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).
Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Big Sur. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Big Sur 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Big Sur in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Big Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Nassau is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Big Sur 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Big Sur and Nassau
| Nassau | Big Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.