A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Grand Cayman for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amsterdam or Grand Cayman?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Grand Cayman, 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: Amsterdam or Grand Cayman?

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

Grand Cayman

When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Amsterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €175, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is €200. 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 Amsterdam and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam 102
    Grand Cayman 139
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam 204
    Grand Cayman 278
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Grand Cayman? 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 Amsterdam


Hotels in Grand Cayman


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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam 20
    Grand Cayman 29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City - Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $44
  • Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port terminal in Amsterdam: $67
  • Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $135
  • Roundtrip Transfer Schiphol - Amsterdam: $139
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Amsterdam Airport (AMS) - Amsterdam City: $108
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $312
  • Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $145
  • Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
  • Private transfer between Rotterdam - Amsterdam (incl. Schiphol airport) : $170
  • Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
  • Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Amsterdam 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
    Amsterdam 43
    Grand Cayman 36
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam 37
    Grand Cayman 38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
  • Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
  • 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $20
  • 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $22
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $164
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $43
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
  • 2-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $131
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $49

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

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

  • West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
  • Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
  • Stingraycity Adventure: $69
  • Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
  • Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
  • Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
  • Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
  • Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
  • Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
  • Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam 24
    Grand Cayman 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
  • Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48

Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:


  • Beer
    4.63

Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman

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

  • Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24


When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Amsterdam is in Europe and Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Grand Cayman?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Grand Cayman, 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 Amsterdam or Grand Cayman?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Grand Cayman. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

In the summer, Amsterdam is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in July than Grand Cayman. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

Both Grand Cayman and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Amsterdam is much colder than Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Grand Cayman. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Grand Cayman. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Amsterdam is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In April, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Amsterdam

Amsterdam Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)