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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Houston?

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 Houston. 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 Houston?

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.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston 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 Houston is $287. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Houston $72

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 Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Private Transfer from Port of Galveston to Houston Airport (HOU): $245
  • Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port : $156
  • Private Transfer from George Bush Airport(IAH) to Galveston Port : $222
  • Private Transfer IAH Airport to Houston Space Center Galveston: $42
  • Private One-way Transfer from Houston to George Bush Airport : $77
  • Private One-way Transfer from George Bush Airport to Houston: $77
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $54
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port: $286
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $246

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Fun Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $75
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $80
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $80
  • Houston Downtown Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Tradition & Fusion: $85
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $93
  • Upscale Italian Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 4-Course Meal): $115
  • French Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 3-Course Meal): $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Houston $14

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 Houston

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

  • Best of Houston and Galveston Tour 7 Hours Small Group: $120
  • H- Town 3rd Ward Tour with 15ft Party Truck : $46
  • Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transport: $95
  • 1 Hour Private Christmas Lights Tour in Houston : $39
  • 2 Hour December Holiday Lights Tour: $65
  • 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour: $69
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 75 Min Best of Houston Small Group Tour : $36
  • 75 Min Best of Houston tour Small-Group : $36
  • All day Galveston Tour From Houston with Tall Ship Elissa & Dolphin Watch: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Houston $13
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 Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Houston Hustle Bar Crawl: $15
  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Grand Cayman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Houston 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 Grand Cayman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grand Cayman 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Grand Cayman.

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 Houston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Houston, 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 Houston?

Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston 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. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston 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 Houston. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston 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 Houston. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Houston in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston 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 Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)