A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nassau vs. Mazatlan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nassau or Mazatlan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?

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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Nassau?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Mazatlan $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Mazatlan

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Mazatlan? 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.

Hotels in Nassau


Hotels in Mazatlan


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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Mazatlan $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
  • Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160
  • Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
  • Group transfer: $68
  • Low Cost Airport Transfers: $185
  • Luxury MKT Town Car Private Roundtrip Transfer : $140
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $80
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Nassau Airport (NAS): Private Transfer to Nassau cruise port: $165
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Mazatlan?

Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nassau $53
    Mazatlan $34

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
  • 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 Mazatlan

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.

  • Mercado walking food tour: $78
  • Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
  • Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Mazatlan $9.59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 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:

  • Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $5.00
  • Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
  • Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
  • Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
  • Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
  • Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
  • Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
  • Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50
  • Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
  • El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
  • Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Mazatlan $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Mazatlan, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nassau usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Mazatlan. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.

In October, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the autumn, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlan. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Mazatlan in the Winter?

Both Mazatlan and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and Nassau during the spring 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 travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In the spring, Nassau is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Mazatlan. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlan. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Nassau

Nassau Mazatlan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)