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

Should you visit Nassau or Gatlinburg?

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

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

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.

Gatlinburg

Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg 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
    Gatlinburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Gatlinburg $253

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Gatlinburg $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Gatlinburg

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg


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 Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Gatlinburg $35
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:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Round Trip Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfers: $275
  • Nassau, Bahamas Private Airport Transfers: $220
  • Private Bahamian Baking Class and Transfers with Chef Gabbi: $210
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included : $200
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $190
  • Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $180
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $175
  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals , ATLANTIS : $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Gatlinburg?

Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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
    Gatlinburg $148

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 Gatlinburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg

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

  • Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Gatlinburg $24
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg

For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • Horseback Riding (for 2)
    $55

Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.

  • Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS: $9.75
  • Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $15
  • Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $15
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour: $25
  • Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Gatlinburg $15
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 Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85


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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Gatlinburg?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Gatlinburg. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Gatlinburg. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Nassau during the winter 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 Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

Nassau is a little warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Nassau

Nassau Gatlinburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)