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

Should you visit Nassau or Santiago?

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

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

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.

Santiago

Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.

Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Nassau?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Santiago $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Santiago $218
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Santiago? 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 Santiago


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 Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Santiago $5.41
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Santiago Airport (SCL) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $18
  • Santiago de Chile Airport Private Transfer: $25
  • Official Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $27
  • Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
  • Airport Private Transfer to/from Santiago de Chile: $40
  • Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
  • Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile : $43
  • Santiago Int Airport (SCL) to Santiago - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $45
  • Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago 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
    Santiago $23

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 Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.50
  • Dinner
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
  • 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
  • Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
  • Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
  • Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Santiago $47
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 Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $9.00
  • Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
  • A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
  • Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
  • Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
  • Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
  • Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
  • Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Santiago $8.40
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 Santiago

Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
  • Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
  • Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Santiago, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Santiago is in South 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 Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Santiago.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Santiago?

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

Santiago 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 Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

In the summer, Nassau is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago 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.

In October, Nassau is generally much warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.

Nassau is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Santiago. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Nassau is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Nassau

Nassau Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)