Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Nassau?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Nassau? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Nassau?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Nassau $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $189. 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 Playa del Carmen and Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Nassau $109
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Nassau? 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Nassau $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
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:
- Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
- Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
- Group transfer: $68
- Low Cost Airport Transfers: $185
- Luxury MKT Town Car Private Roundtrip Transfer : $140
- Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $80
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Nassau Airport (NAS): Private Transfer to Nassau cruise port: $165
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Nassau $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
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
- 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.Playa del Carmen $17Nassau $37
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
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:
- Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $5.00
- Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $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
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Nassau $19
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Nassau is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Nassau?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Nassau, 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 Playa del Carmen or Nassau?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Nassau in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Nassau. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Nassau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nassau averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nassau. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Nassau in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Nassau. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Nassau. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Nassau in the Winter?
Both Nassau and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Nassau in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Nassau. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Nassau in the Spring?
Both Nassau and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Nassau averages at about 23°C (74°F).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Nassau. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.