Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Grand Cayman?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $62Grand Cayman $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $214. 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 Florianopolis and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Grand Cayman $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
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: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- 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
- 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 Florianopolis or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $22Grand Cayman $39
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
- 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
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $275
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $262
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
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 Florianopolis and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis is in South America 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Grand Cayman?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Grand Cayman?
Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
Both Grand Cayman and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Florianopolis is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°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. It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In January, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 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 JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
Both Grand Cayman and Florianopolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
In April, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Grand Caymanin October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Florianopolis gets 93 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 OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Florianopolis is cooler than Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in January.
In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Grand Cayman. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 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 AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°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.