Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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: Tulum or Nassau?
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Nassau $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, 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 Tulum and Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Nassau $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Nassau $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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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:
- 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 Tulum or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau and Tulum 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 dayTulum $34Nassau $53
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Nassau $37
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Audioguide Tulum, Audioguide-App Mayastadt Tulum, Tour Tulum Archaeological Site: $4.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
- Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
- Archeological Guided Walking Tour in Tulum: $20
- Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Tulum Mural Tours: $36
- Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $41
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $42
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Nassau $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
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$6.52
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 Tulum and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum 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 Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Nassau?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Nassau?
Tulum 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 Tulum or Nassau in the Summer?
Both Nassau and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Nassau in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, 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 Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Tulum gets 232 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 Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nassau. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Nassau in the Autumn?
Both Nassau and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Nassau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nassau averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Tulum gets 216 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 Tulum. Tulum usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nassau. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Nassau in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Nassau. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Nassau. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Nassau in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Nassau. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Tulum is a little warmer than Nassau in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, 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 Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Nassau. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Tulum
| Tulum | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.