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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Providence?

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 Providence. 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 Providence?

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.

Providence

Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence 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 Providence is $210. 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 Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $150
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $300
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Providence? 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 Providence


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 Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Providence $46

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 Providence

Also for Providence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence 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
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

For Providence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Providence $26

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 Providence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.

  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $58
  • Brews Cruise with Narragansett Beer: $60
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $49
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $36
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Providence $13
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Providence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Providence:

  • Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting: $65


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


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Providence, 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 Providence?

Providence 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 Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Providence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Providence. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Providence. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence 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, many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Providence. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence 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.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)