Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Hilton Head Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?
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.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Hilton Head Island $212
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $212. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Hilton Head Island $129
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Hilton Head Island
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Hilton Head Island $34
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:
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Hilton Head Island?
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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 $53Hilton Head Island $60
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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
- Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
- Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Hilton Head Island $23
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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
- Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
- Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
- Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
- Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
- Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
- Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
- History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
- Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
- 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
- #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
- Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Hilton Head Island $26
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:
- Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Hilton Head Island?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?
Both Hilton Head Island 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, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.
Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Hilton Head Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.
Nassau is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Hilton Head Island. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?
Both Hilton Head Island 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, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Nassau
| Nassau | Hilton Head Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.