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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Grand Cayman?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik or Grand Cayman?

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Reykjavik?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $307, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $242. 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 Reykjavik and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reykjavik $160
    Grand Cayman $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reykjavik $320
    Grand Cayman $298
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik


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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reykjavik $52
    Grand Cayman $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Transfer from Reykjavik - Private airport transfer to KEF Airport: $126
  • Sky Lagoon Transfers to/from Keflavík International Airport: $75
  • Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $143
  • Sky Lagoon Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik and Keflavik: $120
  • Skarfabakki Cruise Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
  • Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer from/to Keflavik Airport (KEF): $80
  • Reykjavik/Keflavik Cruise Port Private Transfer: $144
  • Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $111
  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Reykjavík/Keflavík–Blue Lagoon, Silica & Retreat Transfer: $67
  • Private Transfers in Iceland: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik $60
    Grand Cayman $67
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $204

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
  • The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reykjavik $83
    Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $12
  • Wine and Spa
    $34

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

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

  • Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: $89
  • Small-Group Tour: Northern Lights with Photos & Hot Chocolate: $138
  • Winter South Coast Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik: $180
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $131
  • 1 hour Buggy adventure - From Reykjavik: $219
  • 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $151
  • 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun: $99
  • ATV - QUAD Adventure: $191
  • ATV Reykjavik Adventure: $165
  • Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $215
  • Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure: $93
  • Black Beach ATV - QUAD Tour: $132

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

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

  • StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
  • 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
  • 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
  • Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $77
  • Cayman 3 in 1 Combo Adventure Stingray City Reef Snorkeling: $104
  • Cayman Adventure Stingrays Starfish plus Crystal Caves : $89
  • Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Night Tour: $144
  • Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $119
  • Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman: $143
  • Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
  • CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reykjavik $32
    Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
  • Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49

Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

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


  • Beer
    $4.95

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
  • Cayman Art and Wine Tour: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Grand Cayman, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Grand Cayman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe 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 Grand Cayman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grand Cayman 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Grand Cayman.

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


Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Grand Cayman?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Grand Cayman?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

Both Grand Cayman and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Reykjavik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. Reykjavik is much colder than Grand Cayman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Grand Cayman. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Grand Cayman. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F).

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Grand Cayman. The spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in April than Grand Cayman. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Reykjavik

Reykjavik Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)