A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. Grand Cayman for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or Grand Cayman?

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

Should I visit Saint John's 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: Saint John's or Grand Cayman?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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 Saint John's?

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 Saint John's is $272, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $241. 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 Saint John's and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Grand Cayman $148
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Grand Cayman $296
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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 Saint Johns


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.
    Saint John's $17
    Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
  • VATS Antigua Airport Transfers: $90
  • Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $48
  • Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $79
  • Private Transfer from Antigua island hotels to St. John's Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $113
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Private One-Way Transfer From Antigua Airport To Antigua: $45
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Airport Transfer to West Bay Accommodations (GCM - Grand Cayman): $80
  • 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 Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
  • Private Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport to Morritts Resort: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Saint John's 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
    Saint John's $117
    Grand Cayman $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $190
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $134
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $203
  • Animal Lovers Dream Tour: $180
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua Sunset Catamaran Cruise From St. John's: $130
  • Antigua VIP Tours - Private Platinum Tour: $170
  • Antigua VIP Tours - Semi-Private Gold Tour: $135
  • Antigua Zipline Canopy Adventure from St John’s: $99

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

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

  • CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13
  • West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
  • Oculus Glass Bottom Boat Tour : $60
  • Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $66
  • 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
  • Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
  • Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
  • Cayman Combo Tour: Stingrays, Starfish Point and Crystal Caves : $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    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
    $4.93

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


When comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and Grand Cayman, we can see that Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Grand Cayman?

Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Grand Cayman. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint John's usually gets less rain in July than Grand Cayman. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John's in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's 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. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In October, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Grand Cayman. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (80°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

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

Saint John's usually gets more rain in January than Grand Cayman. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Saint John's is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John's in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Saint John's

Saint John's Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)