Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nassau or Nags Head?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?
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.
Nags Head
Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
-
Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesNags Head Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Nags Head $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. 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 Nags Head in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Nags Head $80
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Nags Head
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Nags Head $40
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 Nags Head?
Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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 dayNassau $91Nags Head $71
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Nags Head $14
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 Nags Head
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
- Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
- OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
- Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
- Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
- Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
- Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
- Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
- 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Nags Head $12
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 Nags Head
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:
- Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Nags Head, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Nags Head 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 Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau than you might in Nags Head.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Nags Head?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?
Nags Head 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 Nags Head in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Nags Head. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Nags Head. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Nags Head 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Nags Head in the Autumn?
Both Nags Head and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
In the autumn, Nassau is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).
It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Nags Head 62°F (16°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Nags Head in the Winter?
Both Nags Head 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, the cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.
Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Nags Head 41°F (5°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Nags Head in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Nags Head. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
Nassau is much warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head 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 Nags Head during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Nags Head 59°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Nags Head and Nassau
| Nassau | Nags Head | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 5 inches (127 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.4 inches (85 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.