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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Cocoa Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach?

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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cocoa Beach or Grand Cayman?

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 Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Cocoa Beach is $176. 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 Grand Cayman and Cocoa Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Cocoa Beach $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Cocoa Beach $170
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Cocoa Beach

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach? 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 Grand Cayman


Hotels in Cocoa Beach


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 and Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Cocoa Beach $26

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach?

Prices for flights to both Cocoa Beach and Grand Cayman 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
    Grand Cayman $67
    Cocoa Beach $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Cocoa Beach $16

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

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $75
  • 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon: $75
  • 2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach: $65
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Craigcat Tours : $190
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Boat Tour Wildlife Refuge: $78
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour Cocoa Beach: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Cocoa Beach $20
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 Grand Cayman and Cocoa Beach, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Cocoa Beach is in North America, 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 Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach?

Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Cocoa Beach, 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 Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach 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 Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

Both Cocoa Beach and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

Both Cocoa Beach and Grand Cayman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Cocoa Beach. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Cocoa Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cocoa Beach. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Cocoa Beach. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Cocoa Beach. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Cocoa Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)