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

Should you visit Nassau or Virginia Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. It's a popular beach destination and has many of the characteristics of most southeastern beach towns. There are many activities that you can enjoy and there's a concrete boardwalk that runs parallel to the water for about three miles. The boardwalk is a fun place to walk or bicycle. The beach itself is wide and sandy and is a great place to soak up some sun. During the summer months and school holidays it can get quite crowded and you might struggle to find a place for your towel and beach chairs. There are also many beach side resorts that line the water front. Most have pools and hot tubs where you can relax and some hotels have indoor pools as well, which can be nice during the cool winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Virginia Beach $39
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Virginia Beach $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
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Virginia Beach $11
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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Virginia Beach, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Virginia Beach is in North 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 Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Virginia Beach. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Virginia Beach. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach 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, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nassau is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach 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, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

Virginia Beach can get quite cold in the winter. Nassau is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Virginia Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nassau is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Nassau

Nassau Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)