Which place is cheaper, Duck or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Grand Cayman or Duck?
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 Duck. 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 Duck?
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.
Duck
Duck is a resort town in Dare County, North Carolina. The town is quite small, with a year around population of just 369, but during the peak summer months the tourist crowds can climb to over 20,000. Duck is also the northernmost incorporated town in the county, and also the newest town in the Outer Banks, having been incorporated on May 1st, 2002.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Duck $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Duck is $188. 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 Duck in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Duck $107
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Duck
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Duck? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Duck $66
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 Duck?
Prices for flights to both Duck 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
-
Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $39Duck $45
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Duck $13
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Duck $45
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
-
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 Grand Cayman and Duck, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Duck is in North America, 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 Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Duck Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Duck?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Duck, 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 Duck?
Duck 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 Duck in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Duck. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Duck averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite rainy in Duck. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Duck. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Duck 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Duck in the Autumn?
Both Duck 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 Duck in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Duck. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Duck 62°F (16°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Duck in the Winter?
Both Duck 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 Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Duck can be very cold during winter. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Duck in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).
Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Duck 41°F (5°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Duck in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Duck. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Duck averages at about 59°F (15°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Duck. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Duck 59°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Duck and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Duck | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 5 inches (127 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.4 inches (85 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.