Which place is cheaper, Sarasota or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Sarasota?
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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?
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.
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Sarasota $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $249. 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 Sarasota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Sarasota $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Sarasota
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Sarasota -
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 Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
- Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Sarasota?
Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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 $39Sarasota $137
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota
For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
- Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
- Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
- Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Sarasota $11
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 Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
- Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
- 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
- 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
- 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
- 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
- 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
- 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
- Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
- Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
- Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
- Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Sarasota -
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Grand Cayman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Sarasota is in North 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 Grand Cayman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grand Cayman 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Grand Cayman.
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 Sarasota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Sarasota?
Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?
Sarasota 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 Sarasota in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Sarasota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Sarasota 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Sarasota in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Sarasota. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Sarasota. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Sarasota 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Sarasota in the Winter?
Both Sarasota 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 Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Sarasota 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Sarasota in the Spring?
Both Sarasota 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. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Sarasota. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Sarasota 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Sarasota and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Sarasota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.