Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Kailua-Kona $45
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 $91Kailua-Kona $100
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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Kailua-Kona $40
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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Kailua-Kona $15
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 Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Kailua-Kona?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona 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.
In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In January, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Kailua-Kona. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Nassau
| Nassau | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.