Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Galveston?
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 Galveston. 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 Galveston?
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.
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Galveston $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Galveston? 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 Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Galveston $35
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: $107
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $168
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
- Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $194
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $194
- Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
- Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston 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 $39Galveston $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Galveston $15
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 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
- East Island Tour : $298
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $276
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $263
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
Tours and Activities in Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $181
- Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
- Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
- Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
- Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
- Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $352
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $20
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $999
- Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33
- Galveston Great Storm Talk and Tour : $35
- Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Galveston $37
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 Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
- Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Galveston, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Galveston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Galveston 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 Galveston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galveston 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 Galveston.
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 Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Galveston?
Galveston has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Galveston, 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 Galveston?
Galveston 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 Galveston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Galveston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Galveston. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Galveston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Galveston. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Galveston in the Winter?
Both Galveston and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galveston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Galveston. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Galveston in the Spring?
Both Galveston and Grand Cayman during the spring 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, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Galveston. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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.