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

Should you visit Istanbul or Nassau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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: Istanbul or Nassau?

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.


Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Istanbul?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $226. 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 Istanbul and Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $83
    Nassau $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $166
    Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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 Istanbul


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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $39
    Nassau $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $19
  • Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $23
  • Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch and Transfer Full-Day Tour: $25
  • Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer : $28
  • Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $29
  • Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $29
  • Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $29
  • Private Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Transfer hotel-airport: $30
  • Istanbul Airport (IST) Private Arrival and Departure Transfer: $30
  • Galataport Private Transfer to Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia: $30
  • Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $30
  • Private Istanbul Airport Transfer to Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmet: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $7.99
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • NAS Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $28
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
  • Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
  • Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Airport Transfers : $58
  • One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau and Istanbul 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
    Istanbul $66
    Nassau $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $24
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Shows and Party : $30
  • Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
  • Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Entertaintment & Private Table & Wi-Fi: $36
  • Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $36
  • Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Drinks and Shows: $41
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.

  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $43
    Nassau $37

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

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

  • Istanbul Culture History and UNESCO Treasures Kickstart Tour: $3.59
  • Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.61
  • Istanbul Self Guided Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Alternative Tour; Daily Life, Customs, Stories - Tip Based Tour: $5.00
  • Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
  • Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit: $7.21
  • Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in Istanbul: $7.21
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.55
  • Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.02
  • Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Walk Tour: $9.61

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 Tour with Seafood Snack Português & Español : $7.00
  • Historical & Cultural Walking Tour: $10
  • Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $25
  • Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
  • Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45
  • Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
  • Nassau City Tour: $46
  • Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $50
  • Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50
  • Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
  • Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $12
    Nassau $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $30
  • Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Clubs & Party Bus: $30
  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $210

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Nassau?

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Nassau in the Summer?

Both Nassau and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Istanbul is cooler than Nassau in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°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 Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Nassau during summer. Istanbul gets 333 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, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Nassau. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Nassau in the Autumn?

Both Nassau and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Nassau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Nassau averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Istanbul gets 169 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. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Nassau. Istanbul gets 71 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
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Nassau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Nassau. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Nassau. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Nassau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Nassau. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

Istanbul is much colder than Nassau in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Nassau. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Istanbul

Istanbul Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)