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

Should you visit Zurich or Nassau?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Nassau. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zurich or Nassau?

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $271, 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 Zurich and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $171
    Nassau $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $342
    Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Nassau $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

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


  • City Pass (2)
    $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer From Hotel To Zurich Airport or Vice Versa: $56
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer Zurich Airport To/From Zurich: $65
  • Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
  • Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Business Car: $82
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Grindelwald/Wengen - Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $88
  • Private Zurich Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91

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 hotels to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
  • Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
  • Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
  • Airport Transfers : $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Zurich 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
    Zurich $62
    Nassau $53
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

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
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • 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.
    Zurich $36
    Nassau $37

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
  • Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

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:

  • All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
  • KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • 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 in Nassau: $50
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50
  • Private Historic Landmarks Walking Tour: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $30
    Nassau $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $33
  • Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155

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: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Nassau, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Nassau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Nassau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nassau 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Nassau.

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Nassau?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich or Nassau?

Zurich 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 Zurich or Nassau in the Summer?

Both Nassau and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Zurich is generally cooler than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°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 Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Zurich gets 241 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. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Nassau. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Nassau in the Autumn?

Both Nassau and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

Zurich is much colder than Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Zurich gets 120 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Nassau. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Nassau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Nassau. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In the winter, Zurich is much colder than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Nassau. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Nassau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Nassau. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

In April, Zurich is generally much colder than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Nassau. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Zurich

Zurich Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)