Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Grand Cayman can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Grand Cayman?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Grand Cayman $215
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yellow Boat Tour Dubai with Private Transfers: $95
- Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Private Transfers: $102
- Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience With Transfers Option: $243
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience Dubai with Transfers Option: $247
- Wild Wadi tickets with Transfers: $100
- Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $154
- Wild Wadi Waterpark Entrance Ticket -Dubai with Transfers Option: $99
- Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
- Wild Wadi WaterPark Ticket with Optional Transfers and Meal: $78
- Wild Wadi Water Park Ticket with Transfer from Dubai: $131
- Wild Wadi Dubai water park Ticket with 1 way transfer in Dubai: $110
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 Dubai or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Grand Cayman $39
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
- DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
- Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
- Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22
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 dayDubai $23Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
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 comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Grand Cayman, we can see that Dubai 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 Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Grand Cayman?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Grand Cayman?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dubai or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Grand Cayman. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Grand Cayman. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Dubai is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Dubai is generally cooler than Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Grand Cayman. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Dubai
| Dubai | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.