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

Should you visit Nassau or Monterey?

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

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

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.

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Monterey 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 Monterey is $170. 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 Monterey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Monterey $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Monterey

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Monterey? 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 Monterey


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 Monterey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Monterey $32
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:

  • 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 Monterey?

Prices for flights to both Monterey 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
    Monterey $56

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 Monterey

For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Monterey $27
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:

  • 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 Monterey

For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • San Fran Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App: $7.30
  • Self-Guided John Steinbeck Walking Tour with Audio: $7.99
  • Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
  • Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $60
  • Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
  • Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
  • Whale Watching Cruise: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Monterey $21
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:

  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Monterey, we can see that Nassau 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 Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Monterey?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey 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, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nassau is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Monterey 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

Nassau is much warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Monterey. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Monterey 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Monterey in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Monterey 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey 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, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In April, Nassau is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Monterey. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Monterey 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Monterey and Nassau

Nassau Monterey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)