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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Fort Lauderdale 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.

  • Grand Cayman Prices
    Cayman Islands Prices
    Fort Lauderdale Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Grand Cayman $242
    Fort Lauderdale $218

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Fort Lauderdale is $218. 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 Fort Lauderdale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Fort Lauderdale $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Fort Lauderdale $192
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Fort Lauderdale

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale? 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 Fort Lauderdale


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 Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Fort Lauderdale $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Fort Lauderdale APT-HTL (FLL): $285
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale (FLL or Port Everglades) to Miami.: $220
  • Private transfer from Port of Miami to Fort Lauderdale: $220
  • Private Transfer to Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $98
  • Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL Departures: $95
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami and Doral : $154
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key Largo: $289
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral : $155
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton: $154
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL): $43
  • Private Transfer To or From Fort Lauderdale Airport & CruisePort : $94
  • Private Departure Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale?

Prices for flights to both Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $85

Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise: $64
  • Immersive Sushi Cooking Class in Fort Lauderdale: $75
  • Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner: $80
  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $80
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, Around the World Food Tour Experience: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Fort Lauderdale $15

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
  • Diamonds and Cocktails a Shopping Experience in Grand Cayman: $25
  • 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
  • Grand Cayman Hop On Hop Off Island Adventure: $40
  • Stingray City and Snorkeling Tour Starfish Point Adventure: $53
  • Stingray City, Snorkeling, & StarFish Adventure: $55
  • Stingray City and Starfish Experience with Coral Reef Snorkeling: $55
  • Stingray City Catamaran Sunset Tour: $59
  • West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $65
  • 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
  • Stingray City Sandbar Experience: $65
  • StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour-Relaxing Private Boat Tour - Fort Lauderdale (Up to 6 Pax): $150
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise (arrive 30 minutes early): $35
  • 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale: $50
  • 2 to 6 hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale: $299
  • 90-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Fort Lauderdale, FL: $100
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $214
  • Beach Snorkeling Adventure in Lauderdale by the Sea: $45
  • Best of Fort Lauderdale Small Group Tour with Intercoastal Cruise: $199
  • Day Trip To Freeport, Grand Bahama - Tickets only: $260
  • Discover Scuba Diving Adventure Shipwreck and Coral Reef : $175
  • Don’t Miss Out – 4-Hour Slingshot Experience: $140
  • Evening Boat Cruise through Downtown Ft. Lauderdale: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Fort Lauderdale $33
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

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


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl: $15
  • Ft. Lauderdale: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36


When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Grand Cayman 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. Even though Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Fort Lauderdale is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).

Fort Lauderdale 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 July than Fort Lauderdale. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Fort Lauderdale. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Fort Lauderdale. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fort Lauderdale. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Fort Lauderdale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)