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

Should you visit Nassau or Ketchikan?

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

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

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.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.

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, Ketchikan 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
    Ketchikan Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Ketchikan $259

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Ketchikan $136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Ketchikan

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Ketchikan? 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 Ketchikan


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
    Ketchikan $39
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 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 Ketchikan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Bus Ride
    $1.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Ketchikan?

Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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
    Ketchikan $92

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 Ketchikan

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Slice of Pie & Drink
    $5.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ketchikan

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ketchikan.

  • Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Ketchikan $46
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
  • 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 Ketchikan

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
    $35
  • Duck Tour (one person)
    $38
  • Bear Viewing Tour
    $83

Tours and Activities in Ketchikan

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:

  • Ghost Walk Guided Tour: $35
  • City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
  • Beautiful Totem Bight State Park and Rainforest Walking Tour: $75
  • Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
  • Ketchikan, Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure: $80
  • Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
  • From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
  • 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
  • Clarke's Custom Island Tour (up to 11 guests): $90
  • Wild Wolf Tour - 2 Hr: $92
  • Fish Tales & Ales - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars: $95
  • 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Ketchikan $23
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 Ketchikan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:

  • Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
  • Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161


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


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Ketchikan?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan 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 summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nassau is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Ketchikan in the Spring?

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

Nassau is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Nassau

Nassau Ketchikan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 34°F (1°C) 14.9 inches (379 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 38°F (3°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 39°F (4°C) 10.6 inches (270 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 44°F (6°C) 11.3 inches (286 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 49°F (9°C) 9.3 inches (237 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 54°F (12°C) 8.2 inches (209 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 58°F (15°C) 7.6 inches (193 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 11.1 inches (281 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 22.9 inches (581 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 40°F (4°C) 17.3 inches (441 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 15.7 inches (398 mm)