Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Marathon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Marathon, 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 Marathon?
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.
Marathon
You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Marathon $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $158. 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 Marathon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Marathon $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Marathon
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Marathon? 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 Marathon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Marathon $47
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Marathon?
Prices for flights to both Marathon 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 $53Marathon $51
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Marathon $27
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Marathon $24
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 Marathon, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Marathon 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 Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Marathon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Marathon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Marathon?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Marathon, 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 Marathon?
Marathon 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 Marathon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Marathon. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Marathon in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun.
Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Marathon. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Marathon 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Marathon in the Autumn?
Both Marathon 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, many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Marathon averages at about 80°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Marathon. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Marathon 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Marathon in the Winter?
Both Marathon 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine.
In January, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Marathon. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Marathon 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Marathon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Marathon in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Marathon. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Marathon 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Marathon and Nassau
| Nassau | Marathon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.