Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau 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: Nassau or Grand Cayman?
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Grand Cayman $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, 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 Nassau and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Nassau 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.
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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
- Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
- Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $140
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Private Transfer from Nassau International Airport to Nassau City : $150
- Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $124
- Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport Nassau, Bahamas: $150
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $143
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- 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
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Nassau 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 dayNassau $53Grand Cayman $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $125
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
- 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
- ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
- ATV tours by RSR: $230
- Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
- Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $69
- Bahama Bonanza Cultural Tour: $80
- Bahamas Cabbage Beach Parasailing Adventure: $100
- Bahamas Culture Tour from Nassau Including Rum Cake: $80
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: $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
- Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
- Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
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 Nassau and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Grand Cayman?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
Both Grand Cayman and Nassau during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau 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 Nassau. Nassau usually gets less rain in July than Grand Cayman. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Grand Cayman. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
Nassau usually gets less rain in January than Grand Cayman. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Nassau is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Nassau is generally cooler than Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Nassau
| Nassau | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.