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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

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.

San Antonio

The third largest city in Texas, San Antonio, has grown in recent years as a popular travel destination. It's a beautiful city that is strategically situated at the edge of Texas's Hill Country near the South Texas Plains and Prairie Lakes areas. The city holds on to its small town feel despite having a population of about 1.4 million and 2.3 million in the greater metropolitan area. The city holds tight to its Spanish and Mexican heritage, making it a fascinating cultural destination. The Hispanic population has much influence in the city and this makes it a fun and unique city to visit, particularly during Fiesta week, which is an annual celebration with parades, music and food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Antonio 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 San Antonio is $161. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    San Antonio $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    San Antonio $138
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and San Antonio

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or San Antonio? 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 San Antonio


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 San Antonio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    San Antonio $20

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
  • San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $146
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $73
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from SAT Airport: $50
  • Private One-way Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio: $74
  • Private One Way Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport : $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

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

  • Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio: $75
  • Asian Dumpling Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $80
  • San Antonio Centre Food Tour of 6 Tastings with Tacos & Ice Cream: $95
  • San Antonio Secret Food Tour - Tacos, BBQ & Tex-Mex Classics: $100
  • San Antonio Premium Night Driving Tour with Dinner & Cruise: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    San Antonio $36

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • 1/2-day San Antonio Alamo Legends Walk guided Small Group tour : $129
  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $95
  • Buckhorn Saloon & Museum / Texas Ranger Museum Entry Ticket: $18
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $28
  • Go City San Antonio Explorer Pass: Tickets for 2-5 Attractions: $104
  • Gruene and River Road Self-guided Tour: $139
  • Half-Day Morning City Tour of Historic San Antonio: $75
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Hopscotch San Antonio Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • King William District Tour: $35
  • PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour: $189
  • Private Axe Throwing Experience in San Antonio TX: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    San Antonio -
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 San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • San Antonio Texas Bar Crawl: Drinks Up in San Antonio!: $15
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Ghost Bus Haunted Pub Crawl: $62
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $179
  • Fredericksburg Hill Country Aficionado Wine Tour from San Antonio: $229


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

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 San Antonio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

San Antonio 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 San Antonio in the Summer?

Both San Antonio 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 music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as San Antonio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and San Antonio averages at about 87°F (31°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than San Antonio. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or San Antonio in the Autumn?

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

In October, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or San Antonio in the Winter?

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

Grand Cayman is much warmer than San Antonio in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than San Antonio. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or San Antonio in the Spring?

Both San Antonio 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 San Antonio for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than San Antonio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and San Antonio averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman San Antonio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)