Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Grand Cayman $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, 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 Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Grand Cayman $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $113
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $76
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $61
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $137
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Sao Paulo Airport Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $122
- Sao Paulo Airport GRU to Beach Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
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 Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo 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 daySao Paulo $15Grand Cayman $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Grand Cayman $41
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $150
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $156
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Grand Cayman $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180
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 Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Grand Caymanin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Grand Cayman. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo 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, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.