Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nassau or Bar Harbor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Bar Harbor, 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: Nassau or Bar Harbor?
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.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesBar Harbor Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Bar Harbor $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Nassau and Bar Harbor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Bar Harbor $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Bar Harbor
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Bar Harbor? 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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Bar Harbor $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$7.99
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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:
- 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 Nassau or Bar Harbor?
Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Nassau 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 dayNassau $91Bar Harbor $98
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
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Bar Harbor $39
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:
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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Sunset Cruise (for 4)$96
Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:
- Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
- Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $20
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
- Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $30
- Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
- 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Bar Harbor $30
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$6.49
When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Bar Harbor is in North America, 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Bar Harbor?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Bar Harbor, 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 Nassau or Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor 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 Nassau or Bar Harbor in the Summer?
Both Bar Harbor and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Nassau is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?
Both Bar Harbor and Nassau during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Bar Harbor in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Bar Harbor in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Bar Harbor. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Nassau is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Nassau
| Nassau | Bar Harbor | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 mm) |
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.