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

Should you visit Nassau or Columbus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.

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 Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Nassau?

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

  • Nassau Prices
    Bahamas Prices
    Columbus Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Columbus $193

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $193. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Columbus? 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 Nassau


Hotels in Columbus


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 Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Columbus $50
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:

  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals , ATLANTIS : $170
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $175
  • Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $136
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included : $200
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $160
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $180
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus International Airport Private Transfer with Bus or Coach: $90
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nassau $91
    Columbus $85

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 Columbus

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

  • Short North Walking Food Tour : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Columbus $46
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:

  • 3 Hour Smart Eco Segway Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 4-Island Tour Swimming Pigs, turtles, snorkeling , rose island, : $180
  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • Bahamas Funtastic Party Bus Tours: $99
  • Discover Nassau by Land and Sea Tour: $109
  • Fun Atv tour in Nassau with Lunch: Drivers must be 25 years old: $149
  • Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
  • Sail & Snorkel Adventure with 1 Hr. Open Bar: $120
  • 3 Islands Boat Adventure: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling And Turtles: $149
  • 3 V's Guided Scooter or ATV Tour in Nassau: $250
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience a Scavenger Hunt in A German Village: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Columbus Ohio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Admission Ticket: $26
  • Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience On The Trolley Pub: $39
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $49
  • The Perfect Half Day Columbus Adventure: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Columbus $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbus

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Columbus:

  • Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl: $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Columbus 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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Nassau during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nassau is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbus. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Columbus. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Columbus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Columbus. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Columbus. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Columbus. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

Nassau is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Columbus. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Nassau

Nassau Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)