Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nassau or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Tamarindo, 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Tamarindo $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $144. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Tamarindo $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$7.99
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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:
- NAS Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $28
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
- Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
- Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Airport Transfers : $58
- One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Departure transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Secret Papagayo: $13
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Hotel Riu Guanacaste: $15
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Riu Guanacaste: $16
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hotel Mar Rey Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hotel Pastiempo Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Palapa in Tamarindo: $21
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Selina Tamarindo: $21
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hotel Mar Rey Tamarindo: $22
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport To Hotel Pas Tiempo Tamarindo: $22
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hotel Luna Llena: $22
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Westin Conchal: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $91Tamarindo $56
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
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Tamarindo $17
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 Tour with Seafood Snack Português & Español : $7.00
- Historical & Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $25
- Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
- Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
- Nassau City Tour: $46
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $50
- Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
- Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions: $55
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $30
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $45
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: $47
- Morning Moka -Tamarindo's Morning Coffee Tour: $62
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- Turtle Watching Tour: $70
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
- Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
- Private Wildlife Tour in Avellanas Beach: $75
- Kayak and SUP Private Tour: $75
- Tamarindo River Boat Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Tamarindo $14
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$6.49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Tamarindo, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Tamarindo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nassau or Tamarindo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Nassau or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Also, June to November in Tamarindo is the hurricane season. Tamarindo 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 October than Tamarindo. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Nassau is cooler than Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Tamarindo. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November. Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Tamarindo. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Nassau is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Nassau
| Nassau | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.