Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Saint Thomas? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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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 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 Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Palm Cay: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Cyril E. King Airport(STT): $28
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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
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Food Meals for one dayNassau $53Saint Thomas $54
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $85
- Pizza Pi Shuttle™ (Official) - St Thomas : $95
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $169
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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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
- 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $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 tours by RSR: $230
- Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
- Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $69
- Bahama Bonanza Cultural Tour: $80
- Bahamas Cabbage Beach Parasailing Adventure: $100
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience in St. Thomas: $5.00
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Unforgettable Charlotte Amalie: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the US Virgin Islands: $27
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50
- St Thomas Shore Excursion: Shopping, Sightseeing and Beach Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60
When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Saint Thomas?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Nassau or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Saint Thomas. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Nassau is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nassau is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Nassau
| Nassau | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.