Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Punta del Este or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Grand Cayman?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Grand Cayman $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Grand Cayman $150
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Grand Cayman $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $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: $106
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Grand Cayman $39
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Grand Cayman $41
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $292
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
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 dayPunta del Este $7.70Grand Cayman $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
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 Punta del Este and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Punta del Este much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South America and Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Punta del Este would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Grand Cayman?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta del Este is cooler than Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Grand Cayman. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Punta del Este during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Punta del Este is much colder than Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.