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

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.

Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Nassau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, 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 Nassau and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Grand Cayman $150
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Grand 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.

Hotels in Nassau


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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $33
    Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.04
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Transfer in private Minivan from Nassau City- Airport (NAS): $83
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Nassau City- Airport (NAS): $53
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Nassau Airport (NAS)- Nassau Island: $53
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Nassau Airport (NAS) - Nassau Island: $83
  • Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $45
  • Swim with Pigs, Turtles & Snorkel. Lunch, Drinks transfers: $199
  • Shared transfer from Nassau island to Nassau Airport: $41
  • Shared transfer from Nassau Airport to Nassau island: $41
  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals : $153
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Nassau Airport (NAS) - Nassau Island: $107
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Nassau Airport (NAS) - Nassau Island: $167
  • Roundtrip Shared transfer from Nassau Airport to Nassau Island: $82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $15
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $15
  • Privat Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport GCM: $15
  • 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 to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Transfer: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
  • Airport Transfer to West Bay Accommodations (GCM - Grand Cayman): $80
  • 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: $108
  • Airport Transfers to East End Accommodations - Round Trip: $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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nassau $53
    Grand 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
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau: $129
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Flavors of Nassau Food Tour: $135
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Experience Breakfast,Lunch or Dinner in the sky of Nassau Bahamas: $225
  • Nassau Cooking Class at Graycliff Restaurant: $256

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 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:

  • Island Tour Nassau (half day city tours, free pickup): $240
  • "Explore Exclusive Private E-Bike Tour of the City!": $110
  • *Authentic Swimming Pigs Tour*Shark Encounter*Feed Iguanas*: $425
  • 007 Private Beach Club - Snorkeling Experience - 3 Stops!: $146
  • 007 Swimming with Pigs Tour on Rose Island: $162
  • 2 Hours Sip and Snorkeling Experience in Bahamas: $150
  • 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $180
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $240
  • 4 hour Private Rose Island tour Snorkeling fishing : $850
  • 4-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $300
  • 4-Hour Tour in Bahamas with Jet Ski and Swimming with Pigs : $450

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Pedro St. James Castle Self Guided Tour Ticket: $19
  • Skip the Line: Pedro St. James Castle Guided Tour Ticket: $25
  • Skip the Line: Guided Tour and Rum Tasting Experience: $35
  • West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
  • Stingray City, Coral Gardens, and Starfish Beach Tour: $66
  • Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
  • Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
  • Cruise Ship Shore Tour - Stingray City, Reef Snorkel and Starfish: $69
  • 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $69
  • Stingraycity Adventure: $69
  • Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
  • Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
  • 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:


  • 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: $15
  • Distillery & Rum Tasting Tour in Grand Cayman: $67


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.

Which is Bigger, Nassau or Grand Cayman?

Nassau is bigger, and its population is about 7.8 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the population of Nassau vs. 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 and the activities 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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 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.
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Nassau vs. Grand Cayman Travel Comparison

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