A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Freeport vs. Marathon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Freeport or Marathon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Freeport and Marathon 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: Freeport or Marathon?

Freeport

When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.

This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Freeport?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Freeport Prices
    Bahamas Prices
    Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Freeport $290
    Marathon $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $290, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Freeport and Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Freeport $141
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Freeport $282
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Freeport or Marathon? 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 Freeport


Hotels in Marathon


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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Marathon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Freeport $59
    Marathon $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport

Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $256
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $183
  • Private One way Airport Transfer in Freeport : $180
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay -Round-Trip Transfer: $155
  • Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $155
  • Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer : $150
  • Luxury SUV Transfer from Airport, cruise port, Celebration Key : $133
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $78
  • Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon and Freeport 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
    Freeport $110
    Marathon $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Freeport $40
    Marathon $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 10 Dive Package
    $299
  • 4 Hr. Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Freeport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.

  • Jet Ski Tour: Explore the Bahamas Coastlines -90 minutes: $206
  • Swim with the Pigs Freeport @Creative Eco Adventures: $72
  • Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
  • Clear Kayak Tour: $120
  • CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
  • East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour : $270
  • Eleuthera Adventure: Swings, Pigs, and Reefs: $600
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $127
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $126
  • Grand Bahama Culture, History & Local Flavors Tour: $280
  • Junkanoo Adventure with Bahamian Cuisine Tasting: $850
  • Go Kart Adventure Caves Pirates Beaches: $109

Tours and Activities in Marathon

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.

  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Freeport $30
    Marathon $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:

  • Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $85


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

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


Which is Bigger, Freeport or Marathon?

Freeport has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Freeport and Marathon, 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.