Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Basse-Terre?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman?
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasse-Terre €151Grand Cayman €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is €151, 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 Basse-Terre and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasse-Terre €90Grand Cayman €139
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasse-Terre €180Grand Cayman €278
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre 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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basse-Terre €8.00Grand Cayman €29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Basse-Terre 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 dayBasse-Terre €46Grand Cayman €36
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Basse-Terre €47Grand Cayman €38
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $214
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
- 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
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBasse-Terre €13Grand Cayman €12
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€4.63
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basse-Terre and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Basse-Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Basse-Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
Both Grand Cayman and Basse-Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually gets less rain in July than Grand Cayman. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (81°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasse-Terre 27°C (81°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Grand Cayman. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasse-Terre 27°C (80°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Grand Cayman. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in January than Grand Cayman. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basse-Terre in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasse-Terre 24°C (76°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 26°C (78°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasse-Terre 26°C (78°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Basse-Terre
| Basse-Terre | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.