Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Saint John?
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 Saint John. 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 Saint John?
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.
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Saint John $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $192. 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 Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Saint John? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Saint John $49
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: $106
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 $39Saint John $56
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Saint John $23
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
- 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
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Saint John $44
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
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Saint John, 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Saint John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Grand Cayman or Saint John?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint John in the Summer?
Both Saint John 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Saint John. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint John in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Saint John. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint John 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 Saint John. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Saint John. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint John in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Saint John. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than Saint John. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint John in the Spring?
Both Saint John 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Saint John. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.