Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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: Salvador or Grand Cayman?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Grand Cayman $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
- Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $23
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $61
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $47
- Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $43
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $100
- Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $94
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Grand Cayman $39
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Grand Cayman $41
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
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 daySalvador $5.38Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Grand Cayman?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Grand Cayman?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Grand Cayman. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than Grand Caymanin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
Both Grand Cayman and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Salvador during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
In July, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Grand Caymanin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Salvador
| Salvador | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.