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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Halifax?

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 Halifax. 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 Halifax?

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.

Halifax

The quaint and charming coastal town of Halifax, Nova Scotia has an interesting personality. While it caters to travelers from all over the world, it maintains the pace and lifestyle of a small town.

Steeped in maritime history, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, and one of the world's greatest natural harbors. This busy seaport serves as the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.

When planning your trip keep in mind that this city has a climate like other coastal cities. Summers are nice with the occasional humidity. Winters are mild, but still full of snow and wind. The best time of year to visit is most certainly the fall.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax 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 Halifax is $137. 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 Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Halifax? 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 Halifax


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 Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Halifax $17

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 Halifax

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax 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
    Halifax $54

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

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

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Halifax $28

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 Halifax

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

  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $75
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $151
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $64
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $92
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $94
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $254
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Georges Island Kayak Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Halifax $15
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Halifax, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Halifax 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 Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Halifax.

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 Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Halifax, 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 Halifax?

Halifax 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 Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax 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, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Halifax. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax 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 Halifax. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Halifax. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Halifax. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Halifax. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)