Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nassau or Columbia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Columbia, 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 Columbia?
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.
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Columbia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Columbia 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 Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Columbia -
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Columbia
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Columbia? 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 and Columbia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Columbia -
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:
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $30
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
- Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer Nassau, Bahamar & Paradise Isld: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Columbia?
Prices for flights to both Columbia 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 dayNassau $53Columbia $5.03
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Columbia -
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 Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Island Tour: $44
- Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
Tours and Activities in Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Columbia $88
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Columbia, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Columbia 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 Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Columbia?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Columbia, 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 Columbia?
Columbia 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 Columbia in the Summer?
Both Columbia and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Columbia. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Columbia 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Columbia in the Autumn?
Both Columbia 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene.
In October, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In Columbia, 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 Columbia. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Columbia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Columbia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.
Nassau is much warmer than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Columbia. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Columbia 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Columbia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Columbia. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Nassau is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia and Nassau
| Nassau | Columbia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 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.