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

Should you visit Nassau or Raleigh?

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

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

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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Raleigh 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
    Raleigh Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Raleigh $231

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Raleigh $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Raleigh $208
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Raleigh

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Raleigh? 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 Raleigh


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 Raleigh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Raleigh $37
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:

  • Airport Transfer Paradise Island: $118
  • Airport Transfers : $58
  • Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
  • Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160
  • Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $110
  • Cruise Port Transfer with Optional Vehicle: $135
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:

  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $139
  • Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $277

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Raleigh?

Prices for flights to both Raleigh 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
    Raleigh $99

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

Typical Food Prices in Raleigh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:


  • The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)
    $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh

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

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Raleigh $37
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
  • Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $50
  • Electric Bus Tour with Food & Drink Samples: $50
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $50
  • Taste Tour and Capture Nassau Island Experience with Photos: $55
  • Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions: $55

Tours and Activities in Raleigh

Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Raleigh Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS App Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Chapel Hill NC: $15
  • Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour: $18
  • Chapel Hill Historic Churches History and Architecture Tour: $18
  • Raleigh True Crime Tour: $19
  • Historic Oakwood: History & Architecture Tour: $19
  • Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour: $19
  • Raleigh African American History Tour: $19
  • Chapel Hill LGBT History Tour: $19
  • Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $19
  • Chapel Hill True Crime Walking Tour: $19
  • Durham True Crime Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Raleigh $27
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 Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

Raleigh 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 Raleigh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Raleigh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Raleigh fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh 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 Raleigh during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Raleigh 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Raleigh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Raleigh. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions.

Nassau is much warmer than Raleigh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Raleigh fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the autumn, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Raleigh. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Raleigh. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Raleigh in the Winter?

Both Raleigh and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Raleigh averages at about 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Raleigh in the Spring?

Both Raleigh and Nassau during the spring 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 travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city.

In April, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Raleigh. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Nassau

Nassau Raleigh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)