Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Santa Monica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?
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.
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Santa Monica $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $210. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Santa Monica $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Santa Monica $50
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:
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $30
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
- Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer Nassau, Bahamar & Paradise Isld: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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 $53Santa Monica $52
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
- Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
- Marina del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Santa Monica $38
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:
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Island Tour: $44
- Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
Tours and Activities in Santa Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $15
- Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $22
- Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour on the Pier: $30
- Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tour: $40
- Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $44
- Virtual Reality Escape Room Experience: $45
- Onewheel Board Experience: $60
- Los Angeles: Latin Dance Club Crawl Experience: $65
- 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
- Sights and Sips Cruise Tour in Marina del Rey: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Santa Monica $21
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:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195
- Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199
- Charcuterie Board and Wine Tasting in Marina Bay: $300
When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Santa Monica?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in the Summer?
Both Santa Monica and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Nassau is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
Both Santa Monica and Nassau during the autumn 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 autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.
In October, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Monica in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Santa Monica. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.
Nassau is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Monica in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Santa Monica. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.
In the spring, Nassau is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).
Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Nassau
| Nassau | Santa Monica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
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.