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

Should you visit Nassau or Cocoa Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach?

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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cocoa Beach or Nassau?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Cocoa Beach is $145. 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 Cocoa Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Cocoa Beach $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Cocoa Beach $170
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Cocoa Beach

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Cocoa Beach? 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 Cocoa Beach


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 Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Cocoa Beach $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Cocoa Beach?

Prices for flights to both Cocoa Beach 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 $53
    Cocoa Beach $43

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Cocoa Beach $16
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:

  • 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 Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Palm Bay by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • Banana River Sunset Cruise w/ Dolphin Watching: $40
  • Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River: $40
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River: $40
  • Thousand Islands Banana River Boat Cruise: $40
  • Dolphin Tours along and near the beautiful Indian River Lagoon : $40
  • Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: $45
  • Dolphin Tour with Local Expert: $45
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Wildlife Refuge Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!: $48
  • Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Cocoa Beach $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • 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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cocoa Beach:

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Cocoa Beach?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Cocoa Beach, 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 Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

Both Cocoa Beach 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. Also, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Cocoa Beach 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 July than Cocoa Beach. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Cocoa Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Cocoa Beach. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nassau is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Cocoa Beach. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

Both Cocoa Beach and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

In April, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Nassau

Nassau Cocoa Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)