Which place is cheaper, Key West or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nassau or Key West?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Key West, 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 Key West?
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.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Key West? 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 Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Key West $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$7.99
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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:
- NAS Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $28
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
- Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
- Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Airport Transfers : $58
- One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
- Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $113
- Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $156
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $156
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $91Key West $667
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Key West $33
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:
- All New Tour with Seafood Snack Português & Español : $7.00
- Historical & Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $25
- Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
- Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
- Nassau City Tour: $46
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $50
- Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
- Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions: $55
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Hemingway's Key West Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.00
- Key West Pirate Exploration Game and Tour: $8.99
- Key West Smartphone guided Ghost Walking Tour App/GPS/EMF Reader: $9.75
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State: $12
- Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
- Skip the Line: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket and Audio Tour: $20
- Key West Aquarium Tickets: $23
- Key West Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Truman Little White House Guided Tour Ticket: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Key West $16
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$6.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Nassau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Key West 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 Nassau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nassau 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Nassau.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Key West?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Key West, 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 Key West?
Key West 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 Key West in the Summer?
Both Key West 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 Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Key West during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Key West. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Key West in the Autumn?
Both Key West 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Key West. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.
Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Key West. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Key West in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Key West during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Key West. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Key West in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Key West. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Nassau is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Key West. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Nassau
| Nassau | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.