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

Should you visit Salvador or Grand Cayman?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Grand Cayman, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Salvador or Grand Cayman?

Salvador

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Salvador?

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 Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $242. 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 Salvador and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $23
    Grand Cayman $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $46
    Grand Cayman $298
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Grand Cayman? 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 Salvador


Hotels in Grand Cayman


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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.78
    Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $272
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $58
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $146
  • Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $48
  • Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Waves Bahia: $42
  • Transfer roundtrip in Salvador with Historical City Tour: $62
  • Transfer in Salvador: $172
  • Transfer and return from DE Airport to Hotels in Salvador: $54
  • Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $97
  • Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $39

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Salvador 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
    Salvador $21
    Grand Cayman $67
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
  • Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.45
    Grand Cayman $41

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $140
  • "Memories of Salvador" a 6 hour city tour thru times : $143
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $110
  • Afro Tour Walking - Walking : $39
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador: $146
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim Salvador Private Walking Tour: $90
  • Brazil Tropical Fruit Tour in Salvador local farmer's market: $49
  • Brazilian Tasting experience Amazing Foods of Salvador da Bahia: $75
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $190
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • City Tour in Salvador to meet Brazil’s first capital: $174

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.17
    Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.31
  • Drinks
    $2.63

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


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Grand Cayman?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Grand Cayman, 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 Salvador or Grand Cayman?

Salvador 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 Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Grand Cayman. Many travelers come to Salvador for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than Grand Caymanin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to February in Salvador is the dry season. March to August in Salvador is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salvador in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. It's quite rainy in Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

Both Grand Cayman and Salvador during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salvador for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

In July, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Grand Caymanin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. September to February is the dry season in Salvador. March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Grand Cayman. The spring months attract visitors to Salvador because of the beaches. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Salvador is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Salvador

Salvador Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)