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

Should you visit Nassau or Kauai?

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

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

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.

Kauai

Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.

Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.

With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.

You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.

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


Which place is cheaper, Kauai 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 Kauai is $231. 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 Kauai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Kauai $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Kauai

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Kauai? 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 Kauai


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 Kauai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Kauai $34
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

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

  • Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149
  • Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Kauai?

Prices for flights to both Kauai 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
    Kauai $96

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 Kauai

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

  • Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
  • Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
  • Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
  • Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
  • Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
  • Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
  • Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
  • Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
  • VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
  • Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Kauai $17
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 Kauai

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

  • Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
  • North Shore Kauai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
  • Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
  • Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
  • Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
  • Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
  • Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide: $112
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Kauai $14
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 Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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 Kauai 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 Kauai Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Nassau or Kauai?

Kauai 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 Kauai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Kauai. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. 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 Kauai. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Kauai in the Autumn?

Both Kauai 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, most visitors come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Kauai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Kauai. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Kauai 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nassau is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Kauai averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Kauai 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Kauai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In April, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Kauai. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Kauai 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Kauai and Nassau

Nassau Kauai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm)