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

Should you visit Sydney or Grand Cayman?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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: Sydney or Grand Cayman?

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Sydney?

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 Sydney is $207, 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 Sydney and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sydney $103
    Grand Cayman $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sydney $206
    Grand Cayman $298
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Sydney 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 Sydney


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: Sydney Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sydney $15
    Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Transfer from White Bay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $27
  • Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $251
  • SYD Airport to Sydney City Centre Private Transfer: $37
  • Private City, Harbour, and Bondi Tour with Transfer: $274
  • Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet: $60
  • Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $363
  • Airport Transfer to Sydney CBD (Chauffeur Driven): $132
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $40
  • Sydney's Best Airport Arrival Transfers - Airport to CBD : $84
  • Sydney to Sydney Airport (SYD) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Sydney Port Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City: $30

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 Sydney or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Sydney 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
    Sydney $77
    Grand Cayman $67
Typical Food Prices in Sydney

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


  • Tea
    $2.62
  • Lunch Special
    $9.81
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.81
  • Meat Pies
    $3.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sydney $31
    Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

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


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $125
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.85

Tours and Activities in Sydney

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

  • Sunrise Serenity Kayak Tour of Sydney Harbour: $104
  • #1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife Park: $188
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Adventure: $113
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney: $117
  • 1/2 day Sydney Sightseeing and Bondi Beach Tour: $45
  • 14-Day Sydney to Cairns, Fraser, Whitsundays Comfort Tour: $5,614
  • 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
  • 3 Hours Elvis Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $53
  • 30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour: $238
  • 30-minute Private Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour for 2: $331
  • 45-Minute Sydney Harbour Adventure Jet Boat Ride: $66
  • 45-Minute Vivid Sydney Scenic Jet Boat Cruise Tour: $40

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
    Sydney $15
    Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

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


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
  • Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney: $151

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 Sydney and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Sydney much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Sydney would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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


Which is Bigger, Sydney or Grand Cayman?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Grand Cayman?

Sydney 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 Sydney or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

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

Sydney is cooler than Grand Cayman in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Grand Caymanin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sydney 23°C (73°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Grand Cayman. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°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 Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 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
    Sydney 19°C (65°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

Both Grand Cayman and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney 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, Sydney is generally much colder than Grand Caymanin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Sydney usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Grand Caymanin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sydney 12°C (53°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Grand Cayman. The spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sydney is cooler than Grand Cayman in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 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
    Sydney 18°C (64°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Sydney

Sydney Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)