Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nassau or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?
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.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesSanta Barbara Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Santa Barbara $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $196. 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 Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Santa Barbara $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$7.99
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara 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
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Food Meals for one dayNassau $91Santa Barbara $80
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Santa Barbara $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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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
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Santa Barbara CA: $15
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Goleta Isla Vista CA: $15
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $28
- Sanctum Sacrifice of Santa Barbara Ghost Tours: $32
- Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $40
- Santa Barbara Narrated Coastal Yacht Experience: $42
- Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara: $45
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Santa Barbara $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl: $140
- Private Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $175
- Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $180
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
- Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $239
- Santa Ynez Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $259
- Santa Barbara Wine Tour Experience - Authentic and Boutique : $265
When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Santa Barbara?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara 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, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
Both Santa Barbara 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Nassau is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Santa Barbara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In the winter, Nassau is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Santa Barbara. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Nassau is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Nassau
| Nassau | Santa Barbara | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.