Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nassau or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or San Jose, 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 Jose?
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 Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189San Jose $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $90. 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 Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109San Jose $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Nassau and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or San Jose? 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 and San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32San Jose $19
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:
- Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
- Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
- Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $140
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Private Transfer from Nassau International Airport to Nassau City : $150
- Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $124
- Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport Nassau, Bahamas: $150
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $143
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$25
-
Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- San Jose to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) – Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose City to SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport: $39
- Private One-way Juan Santamaria Airport Transfer to from San Jose: $40
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer: Alajuela and San Jose: $45
- Transfer SJO Airport to Hotels nearby or Vice versa Private 6 PAX: $45
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas Port: $50
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport One Way: $56
- Private transfer from San Jose-Heredia-Alajuela Hotels to International Airport: $60
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
- Private transfer from SJO Intl Airport to downtown Hotels: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 dayNassau $53San Jose $18
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose : $34
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37San Jose $21
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
- 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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Visit a Butterfly Chapel, Gardens, Coffee Tour with Typical Lunch: $30
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- 2-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $33
- Private Custom Guided Tour in San Jose: $33
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19San Jose $17
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:
- Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and San Jose, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and San Jose is in Central 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 San Jose.
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 Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and San Jose, 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 Jose?
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 San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Nassau during the summer 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 San Jose year-round.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
Nassau is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nassau or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives less rain than San Jose. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as San Jose. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Nassau usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Nassau is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than San Jose. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in San Jose. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nassau is cooler than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Nassau
| Nassau | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.