A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nassau vs. Columbia River Gorge for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nassau or Columbia River Gorge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Columbia River Gorge, 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 River Gorge?

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 River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.

The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge is $179. 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 River Gorge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Columbia River Gorge $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Columbia River Gorge $178
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Columbia River Gorge

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Columbia River Gorge? 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 Columbia River Gorge


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Columbia River Gorge $78
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 River Gorge?

Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge 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
    Columbia River Gorge $46

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 $37
    Columbia River Gorge $20
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Columbia River Gorge $12
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 comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Columbia River Gorge, 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. Even though Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Columbia River Gorge is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 River Gorge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Columbia River Gorge?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Columbia River Gorge, 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 River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge 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 River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge 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, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Nassau is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Columbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge 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, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Columbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Columbia River Gorge. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Columbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Columbia River Gorge. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

Nassau is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Columbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Nassau

Nassau Columbia River Gorge
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)