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

Should you visit Nassau or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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.

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine is $192. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Portland, Maine $34
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:

  • (Private) Nassau Bahamas Airport Round-Trip Transfers (1-4ppl One Flat Rate): $160
  • Airport Transfer: $190
  • 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 hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
  • Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine $48

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 Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Portland, Maine $39
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:

  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $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
  • Island Tour: $44
  • Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

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

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
  • Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
  • Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.49
  • Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
  • Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Portland, Maine $24
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 Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Portland, Maine?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

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

In July, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Portland, Maine. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nassau is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the autumn, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nassau is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Nassau

Nassau Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)