Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Auckland or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Grand Cayman can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Grand Cayman?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $141Grand Cayman $215
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $215. 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 Auckland and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $89Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $178Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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.
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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.62
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers to and from Auckland Airport: $74
- Private Transfer from Auckland city to Bay Of Islands Cruise Port: $115
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland Cruise Port to Auckland city: $39
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $146
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Van: $112
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $112
- Private Transfer From Cruise Ships To Auckland Airport : $121
- Private Transfer From Auckland Domestic Airport To Auckland City : $89
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Auckland 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
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Food Meals for one dayAuckland $27Grand Cayman $39
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $28Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4 Hour Auckland Premium All inclusive Tour For 4 People: $215
- “City to Surf” - private tour with German tour guide: $266
- "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $180
- 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $66
- 3.5 hour Auckland Volcano Tour in our Electric Van: $221
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $245
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $113
- All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $48
- All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Tour : $39
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $66
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Classic Food Tasting Walking Tour Shore Excursion : $159
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- East Island Tour : $298
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $278
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $264
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $14Grand Cayman $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $107
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $169
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $199
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $224
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman than you might in Auckland.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Grand Cayman?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Grand Cayman?
Auckland 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 Auckland or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
Both Grand Cayman and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Auckland is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
Both Grand Cayman and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
In April, Auckland is generally much colder than Grand Caymanin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Grand Cayman. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Auckland is much colder than Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in January.
Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Grand Cayman. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the spring, Auckland is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Auckland
| Auckland | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
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.