A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grand Cayman vs. Miami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Miami?

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 Miami. 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 Miami?

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.

Miami

Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.

Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.

Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Miami or Grand Cayman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. 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 Miami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $150
    Miami $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $300
    Miami $264
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Miami

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Miami? 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.

Hotels in Grand Cayman


Hotels in Miami


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 Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Miami $38

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Transfers in Miami: $105
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • Transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport: $160
  • Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $210
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port Miami.: $160
  • Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach : $69
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (Departures): $85
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to any Hotels Downtown Miami: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Miami?

Prices for flights to both Miami 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 day
    Grand Cayman $39
    Miami $41

Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
  • South Beach Miami Food & Fun Art Deco Food Tour : $79
  • Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $80
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Miami $31

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 Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cultural Brunch Experience in Miami: $125
  • Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
  • South Beach Walking Tour- A Journey through Food and History: $67
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1-Hour Private Miami Photoshoot Experience: $65
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 HR Miami Lights & Skyline Private Night Tour for up to 6 people: $299
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $273
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Miami $22
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Miami, 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 Miami 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 Miami Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Miami, 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 Miami?

Miami 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 Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

Miami 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 more rain in July than Miami. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Miami 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Miami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Miami. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Miami 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Miami. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Miami. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Miami 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami 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, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the spring, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Miami. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Miami 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Miami and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Miami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)