Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Hilo, 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 Hilo?
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.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
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 $189Hilo $171
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $171. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Hilo $25
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $58
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 $53Hilo $70
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 Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Hilo $32
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 Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- History and Legends Walking Tour with a Smartphone App: $6.50
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $20
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $30
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Hilo $10
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 comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Hilo, 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 Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Hilo?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Hilo. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo 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 autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives less rain than Hilo. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the winter, Nassau is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Hilo. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Nassau
| Nassau | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.