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

Should you visit Nassau or Wilmington?

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

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

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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a port city in southeastern North Carolina. It's a great city to visit for it's nearby beaches, large historic district, and quaint atmosphere. The city has a population of about 115,000 and it's the eighth largest city in the state.

Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as the EUE Screen Gems Studios. This is the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. The studio, which opened in 1984, helped grow Wilmington into a major base for film and television production. The city has been the backdrop for many movies and tv shows including Iron Man 3, Sleepy Hollow, One Tree Hill, and Revolution.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wilmington 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
    Wilmington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nassau $226
    Wilmington $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, while the average daily cost in Wilmington is $245. 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 Wilmington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Wilmington $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Wilmington $240
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Wilmington

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Wilmington? 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 Wilmington


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 Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Wilmington $47
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:

  • Round Trip Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfers: $275
  • Nassau, Bahamas Private Airport Transfers: $220
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included : $200
  • Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $180
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $175
  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals , ATLANTIS : $170
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $160
  • Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Wilmington?

Prices for flights to both Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $97

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Wilmington $17
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 Wilmington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wilmington.

  • True Crime Tour of Wilmington: $20
  • Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $24
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour: $26
  • Holiday Lights Cruise: $30
  • Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour: $30
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Sunset Cruise with Live Music: $45
  • Wrightsville Beach Sunset Dolphin Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Wilmington $39
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 Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Wilmington?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Nassau and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Wilmington. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than Wilmington. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nassau is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Nassau during the winter 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 visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nassau is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Wilmington. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Nassau or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Wilmington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

Nassau is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington 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 Wilmington during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nassau usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Nassau

Nassau Wilmington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)