Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Jaco?
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 Jaco. 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 Jaco?
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.
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Jaco $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Jaco? 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 Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Jaco -
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco 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 $39Jaco $21
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Jaco $60
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Jaco $32
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Jaco, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Jaco is in Central 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 Jaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaco 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 Jaco.
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 Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Jaco?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Jaco, 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 Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Jaco. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Grand Cayman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jaco. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Jaco. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally cooler than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Jaco. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Jaco. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Grand Cayman is cooler than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.