Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 $91Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Carmel on Foot Audio Tour: Courtyards, Artists & Ocean Views: $9.99
- Scenic Path A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- Point Lobos - A Private Charming Ocean Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1: $20
- Carmel Tour in The Heavenly 17 Mile Drive: $30
- Mist, Mayhem, & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $32
- Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus: $139
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nassau is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Nassau is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Nassau is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Nassau
| Nassau | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.