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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

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.

West Palm Beach

One of Florida's most dynamic cities, West Palm Beach encapsulates the best of a metropolitan city all while nestled in the warm serenity of a tropical paradise. Located in southern Florida, about an hour's drive north of Miami, West Palm Beach holds a population of 99,919 and is one of the three main cities in South Florida. This city is known for its unique culture, world-class dining, and extensive shopping districts. From young to old, everyone can find their own niche in such a pleasant, diverse city. No matter what time of the year it may be, you can be assured that it is gorgeously sunny in West Palm Beach!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach is $330. 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 West Palm Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $150
    West Palm Beach $234
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $300
    West Palm Beach $468
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and West Palm Beach

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach? 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 West Palm Beach


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 West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    West Palm Beach $49

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 West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach?

Prices for flights to both West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

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

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    West Palm Beach $19

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 West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge: $60
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion off Peanut Island Park: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $90
  • Blue Heron Bridge Half Day Reef Snorkeling Adventure With Lunch: $56
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Christmas Light Cruise from Jupiter: $75
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Tour in Jupiter: $79
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    West Palm Beach $39
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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and West Palm Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and West Palm Beach averages at about 82°F (28°C).

West Palm Beach 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 around the same amount of rain as West Palm Beach. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as West Palm Beach. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as West Palm Beach. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

Both West Palm Beach 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, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

In the spring, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than West Palm Beach. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman West Palm Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)