Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas. 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Saint Thomas? 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 Thomas $37
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: $106
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- 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 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 or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Pi Shuttle™ (Official) - St Thomas : $95
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $165
- Pizza Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $169
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Saint Thomas $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 Classic Food Tasting Walking Tour Shore Excursion : $159
- 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 Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
- History & Heritage Tour of Grand Cayman Island: $147
- Night Bioluminescence Snorkel Tour: $145
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Afternoon Snorkeling Adventure in St Thomas: $120
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $89
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Saint Thomas $27
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 Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Saint Thomas?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Saint Thomas. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.