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

Should you visit Nassau or Tampa?

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

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

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.

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Tampa 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 Tampa is $218. 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 Tampa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Tampa $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Tampa $170
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Tampa

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Tampa? 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 Tampa


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 Tampa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Tampa $69
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:

  • Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals , ATLANTIS : $170
  • Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $175
  • Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $136
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included : $200
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $160
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $180
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • TPA Airport Private Transfer to Tampa(downtown): $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $50
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport(TPA): $59
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport(TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels: $59
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • St Petersburg to Tampa Airport (TPA) -Departure Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Tampa?

Prices for flights to both Tampa 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
    Tampa $92

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ybor City Food Tour with 5 Local Delicacies Tastings: $100
  • Tampa Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Local Favourites Classics: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Tampa $20
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 Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Historic Ybor City Self Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ybor City Immigrant influence Smart Phone guided App (GPS) walking tour: $9.75
  • Tampa's Highlights Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Tampa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Tampa Riverwalk Private Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $23
  • Tides of Tethered Terror: Tampa Ghost Tours: $24
  • Tampa Florida Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Selfie WRLD Admission Ticket: $25
  • Tides of Tethered Terror: Tampa Ghost Tours: $26
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park Ticket with After Hours Option: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Tampa $26
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 Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Elevated Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $60
  • Downtown 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour: $145
  • Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart: $275


When comparing the travel costs between Nassau and Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

Tampa 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 Tampa in the Summer?

Both Tampa and Nassau during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than Tampa. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Tampa 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Tampa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Tampa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa 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 Tampa during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Tampa. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Tampa 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Tampa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Tampa. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In the winter, Nassau is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Tampa averages at about 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Tampa. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Tampa 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Tampa 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Tampa and Nassau

Nassau Tampa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)