Which place is cheaper, La Serena or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or La Serena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or La Serena, 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 La Serena?
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.
La Serena
La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!
Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189La Serena $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $87. 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 La Serena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109La Serena $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218La Serena $84
Compare Hotels in Nassau and La Serena
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or La Serena? 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 La Serena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32La Serena $20
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 Private Transfer: $300
- Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
- Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $140
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or La Serena?
Prices for flights to both La Serena 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 $53La Serena $27
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
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37La Serena $24
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: $259
- ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
- ATV Island Tour(Beach Break+Lunch+Free Pickup/Drop Off: $188
- ATV tours by RSR: $230
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
Tours and Activities in La Serena
For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
- La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
- La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
- Full day Tour to Elqui Valley : $80
- Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
- Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
- La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
- Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
- Tour to Valle del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs: $140
- Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $140
- Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
- Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19La Serena $22
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and La Serena, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is La Serena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and La Serena is in South 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 La Serena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Serena 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 La Serena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is La Serena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or La Serena?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of La Serena. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and La Serena, 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 La Serena?
La Serena 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 La Serena in the Summer?
Both La Serena 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.
Nassau is much warmer than La Serena in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and La Serena fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
In La Serena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than La Serenain January. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than La Serenain January. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryNassau 28°C (82°F)La Serena 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Nassau or La Serena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and La Serena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than La Serena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and La Serena averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 159 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 La Serenain April. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilNassau 26°C (79°F)La Serena 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Nassau or La Serena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as La Serena. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than La Serenain July. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than La Serenain July. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets more rain in January than La Serenain July. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyNassau 21°C (70°F)La Serena 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Nassau or La Serena in the Spring?
Both La Serena and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Nassau is much warmer than La Serena in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and La Serena fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than La Serenain October. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberNassau 23°C (74°F)La Serena 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for La Serena and Nassau
| Nassau | La Serena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
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.