A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Punta del Este vs. Nassau for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta del Este or Nassau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Nassau, 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: Punta del Este or Nassau?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Punta del Este?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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.

Hotels in Punta del Este


Hotels in Nassau


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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Nassau $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85

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
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • 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 Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
  • Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
  • Paradise Island Private Roundtrip Transfer by Sedan: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Punta del Este 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
    Punta del Este $31
    Nassau $53

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
  • 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.
    Punta del Este $11
    Nassau $37

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
  • Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
  • Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
  • Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127

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: $259
  • ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
  • ATV Island Tour(Beach Break+Lunch+Free Pickup/Drop Off: $188
  • ATV tours by RSR: $230
  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Nassau $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158

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 Punta del Este and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Punta del Este much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South 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 Punta del Este would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este.

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


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Nassau?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Nassau?

Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Nassau in the Summer?

Both Nassau and Punta del Este during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

In the summer, Punta del Este is cooler than Nassau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Nassau averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Nassauin July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Nassauin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Nassau in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Nassau. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Nassauin October. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Nassauin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Nassau in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Nassau. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

Punta del Este is much colder than Nassau in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Nassauin January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Nassauin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Nassau in the Spring?

Both Nassau and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Punta del Este is cooler than Nassau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Nassau averages at about 23°C (74°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Nassauin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)