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

Should you visit Nassau or Duck?

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

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

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.

Duck

Duck is a resort town in Dare County, North Carolina. The town is quite small, with a year around population of just 369, but during the peak summer months the tourist crowds can climb to over 20,000. Duck is also the northernmost incorporated town in the county, and also the newest town in the Outer Banks, having been incorporated on May 1st, 2002.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck or Nassau?

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 Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Duck is $221. 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 Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Duck? 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 Duck


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Duck $66
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 Nassau or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck 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
    Duck $78

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.
    Nassau $37
    Duck $13
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
    Nassau $19
    Duck $45
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

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


  • Cocktail
    $6.49


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Duck, we can see that Nassau 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 Duck 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 Duck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Duck?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Duck, 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 Duck?

Duck 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 Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck 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, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Duck. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Duck in the Autumn?

Both Duck 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of 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 Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Duck. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Duck in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Duck. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Duck during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Duck. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Duck in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Duck. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Nassau is much warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Duck. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Duck. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Nassau

Nassau Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)