Which place is cheaper, Tampa 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.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Tampa?
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 Tampa. 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 Tampa?
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.
Tampa
On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Grand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands PricesTampa Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $242Tampa $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Tampa 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 Tampa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Tampa $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Tampa $170
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Tampa
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Tampa? 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.
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 Tampa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Tampa $69
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 Tampa
Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Tampa Airport (TPA): $76
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $50
- Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $168
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $168
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach- Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Tampa?
Prices for flights to both Tampa 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $67Tampa $92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa
For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ybor City Food Tour with 5 Local Delicacies Tastings: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Tampa $20
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 Tampa
For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $79
- 3 hour E.G. Simmons Park Mangrove Tunnel Tour: $64
- Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $39
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $63
- Clear Kayaking Glow Tour in Tampa Riverwalk: $74
- Downtown Tampa Private Evening Cruise for up to 12ppl: $510
- Escape to Paradise: Private Island Boat Adventure in Tampa: $630
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $39
- Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35
- Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Tampa $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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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 Tampa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:
- Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
- Naples Bar Crawl Experience: $15
- Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
- Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
- Downtown 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour: $145
- Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart: $275
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Tampa?
Tampa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Tampa, 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 Tampa?
Tampa 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 Tampa in the Summer?
Both Tampa 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, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Tampa fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tampa. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Tampa. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Tampa 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Tampa in the Autumn?
Both Tampa 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. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tampa averages at about 75°F (24°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Tampa 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Tampa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Tampa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Tampa 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Tampa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Tampa. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Tampa in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Tampa. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Tampa 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Tampa and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Tampa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.