Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Grand Cayman can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Brisbane or Grand Cayman?
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrisbane $133Grand Cayman $215
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, 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 Brisbane and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $82Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $164Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $18
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $91
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
- Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $54
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Brisbane 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 dayBrisbane $31Grand Cayman $39
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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Bread$1.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brisbane $24Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
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 dayBrisbane $51Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134
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 Brisbane and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brisbane Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Grand Cayman?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Grand Cayman?
Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Grand Cayman. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Brisbane is cooler than Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Grand Caymanin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 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 JulyBrisbane 25°C (77°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Grand Cayman. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the autumn, Brisbane is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brisbane in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Brisbane usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 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 OctoberBrisbane 22°C (71°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Brisbane is generally much colder than Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 15°C (59°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JanuaryBrisbane 15°C (59°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Brisbane during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Brisbane is cooler than Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 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 AprilBrisbane 21°C (69°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Brisbane
| Brisbane | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.