Which place is cheaper, Austin or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Austin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Austin?
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.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Austin $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Grand Cayman and Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Austin? 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $39Austin $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- East Austin Food Tour: $44
- Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Secret Food Tour: $97
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $107
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Austin $28
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
- Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
- 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
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
- Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $99
- Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
- Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
- Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
- Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
- Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
- Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $452
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Austin $28
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
- Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Austin, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Austin is in North America, 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 Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Austin?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Austin, 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 Grand Cayman or Austin?
Austin 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 Grand Cayman or Austin in the Summer?
Both Austin and Grand Cayman during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Austin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Austin. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Austin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Austin. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Austin in the Spring?
Both Austin and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Austin. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.