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

Should you visit Kingston or Grand Cayman?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Grand Cayman, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Kingston or Grand Cayman?

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Kingston?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $110, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $215. 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 Kingston and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $65
    Grand Cayman $150
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $130
    Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Grand Cayman? 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 Kingston


Hotels in Grand Cayman


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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $30
    Grand Cayman $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Transfers from Kingston to any location: $100
  • Private Transfer to/from Kingston Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport to Montego Bay: $90
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $119
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $72
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast : $240
  • Private Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer Sangster Airport to Kingston: $231
  • Private Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios : $133
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225

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: $54
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Grand Cayman Airport Transfer to Seven Mile Beach area: $160
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Kingston 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
    Kingston $27
    Grand Cayman $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $13
    Grand Cayman $41

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $174
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari & Blue Hole Adventure from Ocho Rios: $158
  • Blue Hole and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $85
  • Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $83
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Runaway Bay: $258
  • Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $375
  • Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $325
  • Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
  • City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $95
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63

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: $65
  • Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
  • Cruise Ship Shore Tour - Stingray City, Reef Snorkel and Starfish: $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
  • Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
  • Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Garden (3-Stop Adventure): $80
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
  • Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Grand Cayman $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston

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

  • Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185

Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:


  • Beer
    $4.98

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 Kingston and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman than you might in Kingston.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Grand Cayman?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Grand Cayman, 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 Kingston or Grand Cayman?

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 Kingston or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Grand Cayman. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Grand Cayman. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Kingston is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Kingston is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

Both Grand Cayman and Kingston during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Grand Cayman. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Kingston is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Kingston

Kingston Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)