Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Columbia?
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia?
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.
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Columbia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Columbia is $0.00. 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 Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Columbia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Columbia
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Columbia? 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 Columbia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Columbia -
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 Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $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: $107
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Columbia?
Prices for flights to both Columbia 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 $39Columbia $5.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Columbia -
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
Tours and Activities in Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Columbia $88
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 Grand Cayman and Columbia, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Columbia 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 Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.
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 Columbia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Columbia?
Columbia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Columbia, 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 Columbia?
Columbia 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 Columbia in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Columbia. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite rainy in Columbia. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Columbia 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Columbia in the Autumn?
Both Columbia and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Columbia. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Columbia in the Winter?
Both Columbia and Grand Cayman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Columbia 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Columbia in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Columbia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Columbia. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Columbia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 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.