Which place is cheaper, Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?
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 Cruz
On the central coast of California in between Monterey Bay and San Jose lies Santa Cruz, California, a laid-back coastal college town with a reputation of locals open to liberal views and accepting of alternative lifestyles. Among its residents are University of California, Santa Cruz students, a large artist colony, and professional surfers.
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.
-
Nassau Prices
Bahamas PricesSanta Cruz Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $226Santa Cruz $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Santa Cruz is $156. 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 Cruz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $108Santa Cruz $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $216Santa Cruz $122
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Santa Cruz
Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Santa Cruz? 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 Cruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Santa Cruz $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:
- NAS Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $28
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
- Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $51
- Nassau city to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Airport Transfers : $58
- One Way Private Airport Transfer for 4 People or Less: $65
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
- Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Santa Cruz?
Prices for flights to both Santa Cruz 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 $91Santa Cruz $70
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Cruz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Cruz.
- Capitola Friday Night Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Santa Cruz $18
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 Santa Cruz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Cruz are as follows:
- Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories : $20
- Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
- Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz: $35
- Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour : $110
- Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups: $110
- Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike): $110
- Guided eBike Tour: $120
- Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot: $220
- Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience: $297
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Santa Cruz $8.57
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 Santa Cruz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Santa Cruz:
- Wine Tasting Experience: $25
- Private Brewery Tour: $500
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Santa Cruz, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.
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 Cruz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Santa Cruz?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?
Santa Cruz 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 Cruz in the Summer?
Both Santa Cruz 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 Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Nassau is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Santa Cruz 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?
Both Santa Cruz 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 autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Nassau is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Santa Cruz 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Cruz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Santa Cruz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.
In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Santa Cruz 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Nassau or Santa Cruz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Santa Cruz. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.
Nassau is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Santa Cruz 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Nassau
| Nassau | Santa Cruz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 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.