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

Should you visit Nassau or San Juan?

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

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

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 Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Nassau and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or San Juan? 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 Juan


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 Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation prices in Nassau

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


  • Water Taxi
    $8.01
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Round Trip Airport Transfer- Sprinter Van: $600
  • PRIVATE EXECUTIVE TOURS (Nassau Transfers): $462
  • PRIVATE AirPort Transfer: $390
  • Nassau Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Paradise Island: $360
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
  • Round-Trip Cable Beach Limousine Transfers: $360
  • Nassau Airport Group Round-Trip Transfers : $340
  • Round-trip Airport to Hotel Transfer: $325
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $310
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Swim with Pigs,Turtles & Snorkel. Lunch, Drinks Transfers: $269
  • Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $230

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Premium Transfer FROM/TO SJUAirport/Hotel/Airbnb/cruise IN SJ: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Transfers in San Juan (SJU Airport, Hotel, Airbnb, Cruise Port): $28
  • Private Transportation in Puerto Rico From or To San Juan Airport(SJU) Transfers: $29
  • Private Transfer-TO or FROM: SJUAirport,Cruises,Hotels in Puerto Rico Luxury SUV: $29
  • Mendoza: One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $30
  • San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Premium Sedan, Select Zone: $51
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Chrysler Minivan, Select Zone: $58
  • Private Transfer -To OR From: SJUAirport,Cruises,Hotels in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 Juan $36

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
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau: $129
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Flavors of Nassau Food Tour: $135
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Nassau Cooking Class at Graycliff Restaurant: $256

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

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

  • Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $147
  • Old San Juan Sunset Walk & Taste Food Tour: $149
  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    San Juan $49
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:

  • Island Tour Nassau (Beach and Bahamian lunch stop, free pickup): $260
  • 6 hours 3 stops cruise Pig Beach,Turtles Snorkeling : $176
  • *Authentic Swimming Pigs Tour*Shark Encounter*Feed Iguanas*: $425
  • 007 Private Beach Club - Snorkeling Experience - 3 Stops!: $174
  • 007 Swimming with Pigs Tour on Rose Island: $189
  • 2 Hours Sip and Snorkeling Experience in Bahamas: $150
  • 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $180
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $240
  • 4 hour Private Rose Island tour Snorkeling fishing : $850
  • 4-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $300
  • 4-Hour Tour in Bahamas with Jet Ski and Swimming with Pigs : $360

Typical Entertainment prices in San Juan

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


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
  • Footsteps in Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
  • Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
  • Explore Old San Juan Walking Tour: $30
  • Legacy Tour - Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico: $33
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Old Town Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour : $40
  • Fountain of Youth Tour of Old San Juan: $41
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    San Juan $12
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:

  • Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • San Juan Sip & Taste-Bar Crawl Experience: $125


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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.

Which is Bigger, Nassau or San Juan?

San Juan is bigger, and its population is about 83% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the population of Nassau vs. San Juan, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Nassau or San Juan?

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 Juan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as San Juan. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. 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 San Juan. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Nassau or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan 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 San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than San Juan. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Nassau or San Juan in the Winter?

Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In San Juan, 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 Juan. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

In January, Nassau is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nassau or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than San Juan. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 Juan during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nassau is cooler than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Nassau

Nassau San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 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.
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Nassau vs. San Juan Travel Comparison

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