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

Should you visit Nassau or Marathon?

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

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

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.

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Marathon 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
    Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Marathon $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Marathon? 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 Marathon


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 Marathon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Marathon $47
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 Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfers: $275
  • Nassau, Bahamas Private Airport Transfers: $220
  • 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
  • Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $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
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $160
  • Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon 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
    Marathon $89

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Marathon $27
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 Marathon

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

  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Marathon $24
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 Marathon, we can see that Nassau 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 Marathon 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 Marathon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Marathon?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Marathon, 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 Marathon?

Marathon 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 Marathon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Marathon. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Marathon in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Marathon. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Marathon 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Marathon in the Autumn?

Both Marathon 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, many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Marathon averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Marathon. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Marathon 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Marathon in the Winter?

Both Marathon 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 visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Marathon. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Marathon 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Marathon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Marathon in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Marathon. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Marathon 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Marathon and Nassau

Nassau Marathon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)