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

Should you visit Nassau or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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 San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    San Diego $24
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
  • 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 Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
  • Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $207
  • Airport Transfer: $190

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
  • Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
  • San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
  • San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74
  • Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego city hotels: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $45

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 San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
  • Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
  • San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    San Diego $48
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: $250
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
  • Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $81

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
  • Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.30
  • A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
  • Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
  • San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
  • Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
  • San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
  • Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
  • San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    San Diego $21
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 San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
  • Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215


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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as San Diego. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nassau is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Nassau or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nassau is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than San Diego. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nassau or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nassau is a little warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Nassau or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the spring, Nassau is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than San Diego. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Nassau

Nassau San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)