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

Should you visit Nassau or Saint John?

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

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

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.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Nassau?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nassau Prices
    Bahamas Prices
    Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Saint John $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Saint John? 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 Saint John


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Saint John $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

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


  • Water Taxi
    $7.99
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Airport Transfer Paradise Island: $118
  • Airport Transfers : $58
  • Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
  • Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $52
  • Nassau hotels to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
  • Private Airport/Hotels Transfers Nassau Bahamas: $120
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 $91
    Saint John $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

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

  • Funky Nassau Deluxe Food Tour - A Taste of The Bahamas: $120
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149
  • NEW! Authentic Bahamian Cooking and Cocktails with Transfers: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Saint John $23
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: $25
  • Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
  • Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
  • CHIPPIES BAHAMAS Island Tours : Feel The Culture: $55
  • Dilly Dally Walking Tour of Nassau Attractions: $55
  • Nassau Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Nassau Family Friendly City Tour: $72
  • Rum Reggae and Rhythms Tour: Dancing and Cocktails: $73
  • Nassau's Half Day Bus City Tour: Guided Tour with Free Samples: $75
  • Sightseeing and Historical Adventure through Nassau: $75
  • Nassau Food and History Bus Tour: $75
  • Nassau Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $80

Tours and Activities in Saint John

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

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Saint John $44
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.49


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Nassau or Saint John?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Nassau or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Saint John. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Nassau is around the same temperature as Saint John in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


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

Should I visit Nassau or Saint John in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Saint John. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Saint John. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Saint John. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint John averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Saint John. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Nassau is generally cooler than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Saint John in the Spring?

Both Saint John 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nassau is cooler than Saint John in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Nassau

Nassau Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)