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

Should you visit Nassau or Philadelphia?

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

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

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.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Philadelphia $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia


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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Philadelphia $28
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $135
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $353

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Philadelphia?

Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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
    Philadelphia $49

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

Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
  • Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
  • Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour: $59
  • Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
  • Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
  • Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
  • 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $69
  • Secret Food Tour: $84
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
  • Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Philadelphia $28
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

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

  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
  • Road to Revolution GPS Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • The Road to Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Philadelphia: $8.99
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Philadelphia In App Walking Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • National Liberty Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Fantastic Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Philadelphia $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 Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
  • Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
  • Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia 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. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In the summer, Nassau is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia 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 July than Philadelphia. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Philadelphia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nassau is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 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 Philadelphia. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Philadelphia. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. Nassau is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia 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, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nassau is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Nassau

Nassau Philadelphia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)