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

Should you visit Recife or Nassau?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Nassau can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Recife or Nassau?

Recife

One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.

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 Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Recife?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $166, 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 Recife and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Recife $88
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Recife $176
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Recife and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Recife 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 Recife


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: Recife Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Recife $8.47
    Nassau $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Shared Transfer from Recife to Cabo de Santo Agostinho: $33
  • Instituto Ricardo Brennand with transfers from Recife: $41
  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Olinda: $46
  • Airport to Porto de Galinhas Transfer: $65
  • Recife Boat Tour with Transfers: $72
  • Airport to Maragogi Hotels Private Transfer: $85
  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Serrambi Beach: $101
  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $101
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Carneiros Beach: $114
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Tamandare Beach: $114

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:

  • 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 Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
  • Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
  • Private Airport Arrival Transfer Nassau, Bahamar & Paradise Isld: $68
  • Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
  • Group transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Recife 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
    Recife $70
    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
  • 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.
    Recife $11
    Nassau $37

Tours and Activities in Recife

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:

  • Recife (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.86
  • City Tour Recife & Olinda: $27
  • Colonial North Coast beaches - Full-Day Tour: $35
  • Olinda City Tour and Instituto Ricardo Brennand: $94
  • City Tour Recife with Catamaran included: $150

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 day
    Recife -
    Nassau $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 comparing the travel costs between Recife and Nassau, we can see that Nassau 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 Recife is in South America and Nassau is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Recife Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Recife or Nassau?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Recife 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 Recife or Nassau?

Recife 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 Recife or Nassau in the Summer?

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

In January, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Nassauin July. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 26°C (79°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. It's quite rainy in Recife. In January, Recife usually receives less rain than Nassauin July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Recife or Nassau in the Autumn?

Both Nassau and Recife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

Recife is around the same temperature as Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Recife often gets less sunshine than Nassauin October. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets more rain in April than Nassauin October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Recife or Nassau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Nassau. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Recife is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Recife in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.

Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than Nassauin January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Recife 24°C (76°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Recife or Nassau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Recife as well as Nassau. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

In October, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Nassauin April. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 25°C (77°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. In the spring, Recife often gets less sunshine than Nassauin April. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.

Recife usually gets more rain in October than Nassauin April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Recife 25°C (77°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Recife

Recife Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 338 mm (13.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 25°C (78°F) 319 mm (12.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 378 mm (14.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 388 mm (15.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)