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

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.

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 Thomas 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 Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $227
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $227, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Saint 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.

Hotels in Nassau


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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 Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Saint Thomas $37
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 Airport Transfer to Paradise Island: $360
  • Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $335
  • Round Trip Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfers: $301
  • Nassau Airport or Port Round-Trip Transfer with Grocery Stop: $270
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $267
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $267
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $267
  • Luxury Airport Transfer in Nassau – VIP Mercedes Sprinter Service: $250
  • Private Bahamian Baking Class and Transfers with Chef Gabbi: $210
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included: $200
  • Airport Transfer: $190
  • Custom Family and Small Group Transfers for Comfortable Journeys: $185

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas

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

  • Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
  • Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $79
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
  • St Thomas Airport Transfer to and from Hampton By Hilton: $96
  • St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to and from Westin: $110
  • St Thomas Airport transfer To and From Bolongo Bay or Lime Tree: $110
  • ST.Thomas Airport transfer To Marriott/ Westin / Bouy haus: $110
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nassau $91
    Saint Thomas $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

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

  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $119
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • NEW! Authentic Bahamian Cooking and Cocktails with Transfers: $179

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: $90
  • St. Thomas Cultural Cooking Class: $109
  • Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
  • Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
  • Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $129
  • Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $269

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Saint Thomas $60
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:

  • 3 Hour Smart Eco Segway Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3 Islands Tour Swim with Pigs Turtles Snorkeling and Lunch: $175
  • 3 Islands Tour, Swim with Pigs, Turtles, Snorkelling & lunch: $175
  • 3 islands Lux Paradise Tour Snorkel Pigs Turtles and lunch 4hrs: $199
  • 3 islands Tour with snorkelling ,Pigs, Turtles & beach club lunch: $175
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
  • A Thrilling ATV Adventure Exploring Nassau Bahamas: $270
  • ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $200
  • Atv Guided Tours Nassau Bahamas: $250
  • Audio Driving Tour Around St. Simons Island: $9.99
  • Bahamas Adventure: Number 1 Scooter and Side by Side rentals: $140
  • Bahamas Budget Adventure: Pigs, Snorkle, Turtles, and Beach: $229

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
  • Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
  • Luxury Private Ride to Magens Bay | Cruise Ship Pickup & Return: $36
  • St Thomas Cruise Port Pick Up and Return to Magens Bay Beach: $38
  • St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
  • Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
  • Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50
  • Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Bottle Your Own at John Watling's Distillery: $20
  • Rum Tasting Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
  • Mixology Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
  • Rum Tasting Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:

  • Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148


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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 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)


Related Articles for Saint Thomas