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

Should you visit Nassau or Punta Arenas?

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

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

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.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Punta Arenas $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas


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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Punta Arenas $1.80
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:

  • Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • 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 Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
  • Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $207

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

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

  • Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
  • Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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
    Punta Arenas $21

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
  • 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 Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.05
  • Dinner
    $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Punta Arenas $6.44
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: $259
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV Island Tour(Beach Break+Lunch+Free Pickup/Drop Off: $188
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.

  • City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
  • Regular city cruise tour: $65
  • Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
  • Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
  • Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
  • Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
  • Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
  • Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
  • Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Punta Arenas $4.86
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.34


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Punta Arenas?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Punta Arenas. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Nassau is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin January. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta Arenas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin January. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenasin January. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Both Punta Arenas and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

Nassau is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin April. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

Both Punta Arenas 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.

It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin July. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenasin July. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

In April, Nassau is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin October. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Nassau

Nassau Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)