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

Should you visit Mandeville or Grand Cayman?

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

Should I visit Mandeville or Grand Cayman? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mandeville or Grand Cayman?

Mandeville

Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.

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 Mandeville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mandeville is $81, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $214. 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 Mandeville and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandeville $38
    Grand Cayman $150
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandeville $76
    Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Mandeville 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 Mandeville


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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Mandeville 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
    Mandeville $24
    Grand Cayman $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandeville $8.31
    Grand Cayman $41

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 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
  • 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 Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
  • Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
  • West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandeville $6.51
    Grand Cayman $13

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 Mandeville and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Mandeville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandeville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandeville 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 Mandeville.

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


Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Grand Cayman?

Mandeville has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville 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 Mandeville or Grand Cayman?

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 Mandeville or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

Both Grand Cayman and Mandeville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mandeville 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. In July, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Mandeville is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mandeville in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 28°C (83°F).


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

Should I visit Mandeville or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

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

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mandeville. Mandeville usually gets less rain in October than Grand Cayman. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Mandeville is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 28°C (82°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


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

Should I visit Mandeville or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

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

In January, Mandeville usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Mandeville is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


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

Should I visit Mandeville or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

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

Mandeville usually gets more rain in April than Grand Cayman. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Mandeville is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mandeville in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F).


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

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Mandeville

Mandeville Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)