Which place is cheaper, Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Gainesville, 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 Gainesville?
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.
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.
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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesGainesville Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Gainesville $267
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Gainesville is $267. 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 Gainesville in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Gainesville $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Gainesville $230
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Gainesville
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Gainesville? 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 Gainesville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Gainesville $39
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 to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Airport Transfers : $58
- One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
- Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Gainesville?
Prices for flights to both Gainesville 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 $91Gainesville $121
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
- Funky Nassau Deluxe Food Tour - A Taste of The Bahamas: $120
- 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 Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
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Diner Breakfast for Two$17
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Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Gainesville $43
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
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
- Dis We Culture Tour (At least 6 passengers): $50
- German/English Island Tours with conch fritter tasting: $55
- Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
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Manatee Tour for Two$98
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Tour Guide Tip$5.00
Tours and Activities in Gainesville
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
- 2 Hour Guided Clear Glass Bottom Kayak Tour Gilchrist Blue Spring: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Gainesville $49
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Gainesville, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Nassau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Gainesville 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 Nassau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nassau 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 Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Nassau.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Gainesville Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Gainesville?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Gainesville, 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 Gainesville?
Gainesville 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 Gainesville in the Summer?
Both Gainesville 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, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Gainesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Gainesville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives less rain than Gainesville. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Gainesville 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Gainesville in the Autumn?
Both Gainesville 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gainesville for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Nassau is a little warmer than Gainesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Gainesville averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Gainesville. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Gainesville 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Gainesville in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Gainesville. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gainesville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Gainesville. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Gainesville fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Gainesville. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Gainesville 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Gainesville in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Gainesville. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nassau is a little warmer than Gainesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Gainesville fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
Nassau usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gainesville. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Gainesville 69°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Gainesville and Nassau
| Nassau | Gainesville | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 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.