Cost Of Living in Cayman Islands 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Cayman Islands

Whether you're living in Cayman Islands or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

3,000 KYD

per month
$3,700

230 KYD   $280
$37,000   30,000 KYD

Single

2,100 KYD

per month
$2,500

700 KYD   $850
$17,000   14,000 KYD

Couple

3,500 KYD

per month
$4,200

1,200 KYD   $1,400
$23,000   19,000 KYD

Family

4,600 KYD

per month
$5,600

1,600 KYD   $2,000
$31,000   26,000 KYD

Student

1,500 KYD

per month
$1,800

590 KYD   $710
$3,200   2,600 KYD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Cayman Islands is 2,100 KYD. Expenses can range from 700 KYD at the minimum level to 14,000 KYD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Cayman Islands is 3,500 KYD. Expenditure can range from 1,200 KYD to 19,000 KYD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Cayman Islands is 4,600 KYD per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,600 KYD to 26,000 KYD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Cayman Islands is 1,500 KYD. Students spend from 590 KYD to 2,600 KYD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Cayman Islands


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.38 KYD 0.43 KYD 0.50 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.53 $0.61
Fast food combo meal
3.3 KYD 6.5 KYD 11 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $7.9 $13
Restaurant meal for one
11 KYD 16 KYD 33 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $40
Fine dining meal for one
22 KYD 33 KYD 130 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $40 $160
Soda or Soft Drink
0.47 KYD 0.54 KYD 0.65 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.57 $0.66 $0.79
Cappuccino or latte
2.7 KYD 4.3 KYD 6.5 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5.3 $7.9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
2.2 KYD 2.6 KYD 3.3 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.2 $4
Loaf of bread
0.39 KYD 0.45 KYD 0.52 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.54 $0.63
12 eggs
1.6 KYD 2.2 KYD 3.3 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $4
Fresh whole chicken
3.7 KYD 4.8 KYD 6.8 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $5.8 $8.2
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
4.3 KYD 6.5 KYD 13 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $7.9 $16
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
1.8 KYD 2.4 KYD 3.4 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.1
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.65 KYD 0.87 KYD 1.6 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.1 $2
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
1.2 KYD 1.5 KYD 2.5 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
2.7 KYD 3.3 KYD 6.5 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4 $7.9
Average car full tank
16 KYD 22 KYD 43 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $53
Average car 1-day rental
16 KYD 22 KYD 33 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $40
Average car price
8,100 KYD 16,000 KYD 22,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9,900 $20,000 $26,000
Bus ticket one way
0.54 KYD 0.81 KYD 1.6 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.99 $2
Car Service
22 KYD 33 KYD 65 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $40 $79

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
42 KYD 130 KYD 840 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $150 $1,000
Utility Bill - Couple
58 KYD 170 KYD 930 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $210 $1,100
Utility Bill - Family
49 KYD 140 KYD 770 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $170 $930
Internet and cable
16 KYD 33 KYD 43 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $40 $53
Mobile phone charges
13 KYD 22 KYD 65 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $26 $79

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
8.1 KYD 11 KYD 16 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $13 $20
One month gym membership
26 KYD 33 KYD 65 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $40 $79

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
19 KYD 27 KYD 41 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $33 $49
Woman dress
18 KYD 25 KYD 81 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $99
Woman shoes
17 KYD 23 KYD 54 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $66
Men's shoes
15 KYD 18 KYD 36 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $44
Men suit
16 KYD 20 KYD 110 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $25 $130
Regular t-shirt
8.1 KYD 11 KYD 33 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $13 $40

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
270 KYD 410 KYD 1,100 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300
1-bedroom apartment
410 KYD 650 KYD 1,600 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $790 $2,000
2-bedroom apartment
540 KYD 810 KYD 2,200 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
54,000 KYD 81,000 KYD 160,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $99,000 $200,000
1-bedroom apartment
65,000 KYD 110,000 KYD 410,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $490,000
2-bedroom apartment
110,000 KYD 330,000 KYD 650,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $790,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
330 KYD 410 KYD 540 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $490 $660
Double Bed
220 KYD 330 KYD 410 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $400 $490
Single Bed
190 KYD 250 KYD 330 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $300 $400
Living Room
360 KYD 460 KYD 1,600 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $570 $2,000
Dining Table
160 KYD 220 KYD 410 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $490
Sofa or Couch
220 KYD 300 KYD 650 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $360 $790

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
220 KYD 330 KYD 650 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $400 $790
Fridge or Freezer
190 KYD 300 KYD 410 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $360 $490
Washing Machine
250 KYD 360 KYD 650 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $440 $790
Stove or Cooker
230 KYD 300 KYD 410 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $490
Mobile Phone
270 KYD 330 KYD 460 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $400 $570
Laptop or Computer
300 KYD 360 KYD 650 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $440 $790

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Cayman Islands

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

72% to 91%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%13%
60% - 70%20%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%12%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%4%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Cayman Islands is 81% This means that on average, people spend around 81% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 20% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
73%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
82%

Couple
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
87%

Family
85%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
96%

How do people spend their money in Cayman Islands?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure29%

29% of total expenses on average (18% to 37%)

LOW$85   70 KYD
AVERAGE$1,100   910 KYD
HIGH$11,000   9,100 KYD
Per Month

People living in Cayman Islands typically spend from 18% to 37% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 29% being the average. The average spend on housing is 910 KYD with expenditure ranging from 70 KYD to 9,100 KYD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$14   12 KYD
AVERAGE$180   150 KYD
HIGH$1,800   1,500 KYD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cayman Islands ranges from 2% to 9% of total expenses with 5% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 150 KYD with 12 KYD and 1,500 KYD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$28   23 KYD
AVERAGE$370   300 KYD
HIGH$3,700   3,000 KYD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 23 KYD to 3,000 KYD on commuting with 300 KYD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$71   58 KYD
AVERAGE$920   750 KYD
HIGH$9,200   7,500 KYD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Cayman Islands is 750 KYD. The cost of groceries can range between 58 KYD to 7,500 KYD. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$20   16 KYD
AVERAGE$260   210 KYD
HIGH$2,600   2,100 KYD
Per Month

People in Cayman Islands allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 16 KYD to 2,100 KYD with 210 KYD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$11   9.3 KYD
AVERAGE$150   120 KYD
HIGH$1,500   1,200 KYD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 9.3 KYD to 1,200 KYD with 120 KYD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 11% of total expenses with an average of 7% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   14 KYD
AVERAGE$220   180 KYD
HIGH$2,200   1,800 KYD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 180 KYD per month with 14 KYD being the minimum spent amount and 1,800 KYD being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$37   30 KYD
AVERAGE$480   390 KYD
HIGH$4,800   3,900 KYD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Cayman Islands every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Cayman Islands manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
72%
Not Saving
28%

Almost 72% of the surveyed people in Cayman Islands said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 28% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Cayman Islands

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles72%28%
Couples67%33%
Families62%38%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

93 KYD
$110
1,200 KYD
$1,500
12,000 KYD
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 14% to 34% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 24% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,200 KYD on average with savings ranging from 93 KYD to 12,000 KYD.

72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 67% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Cayman Islands?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 28% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

280 KYD
$340
840 KYD
$1,000
5,600 KYD
$6,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%26%
10% - 20%21%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%19%
40% - 50%14%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 17% to 36% of their monthly income to savings, with 28% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 840 KYD with 280 KYD and 5,600 KYD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 26% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

470 KYD
$570
1,400 KYD
$1,700
7,500 KYD
$9,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%18%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 15% to 35% of their monthly income, with 26% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,400 KYD with 470 KYD and 7,500 KYD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

650 KYD
$790
1,900 KYD
$2,300
10,000 KYD
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Cayman Islands can save anywhere between 13% to 31% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,900 KYD with 650 KYD and 10,000 KYD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Cayman Islands

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Cayman Islands?


Yes
78%
No
22%

Around 78% of surveyed residents think that living in Cayman Islands is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Cayman Islands

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options63%

Few low-cost options37%


Based on the survey, 63% of the people living in Cayman Islands have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 37% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Cayman Islands whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes78%

No22%


Based on the survey, 22% of the people living in Cayman Islands said that they don't have an emergency fund while 78% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Cayman Islands

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy73%


We asked residents of Cayman Islands whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 27% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 73% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Cayman Islands have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 17% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 83% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance17%

Easily manages finances83%

Financial goals of people in Cayman Islands

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Cayman Islands, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction26%
Retirement Savings6%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing10%
Travel or Lifestyle14%
Healthcare Expenses6%
Financial Independence11%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 26% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 6% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 10% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 14% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 6% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Cayman Islands

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Cayman Islands. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans21%
Lack of Budgeting Skills9%
Impulsive Spending8%
Financial Emergencies5%
Living the moment8%
Will do it later14%
Inflation9%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability4%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 21% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 9% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 8% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 5% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 8% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 14% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 9% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 4% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Cayman Islands

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold8%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings13%
Real Estate11%
Investment7%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds4%
Certificates of Deposit4%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Cayman Islands

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Cayman Islands and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Cayman Islands is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Cayman Islands:
AgeAmount
258,500 KYD
3017,000 KYD
3530,000 KYD
4042,000 KYD
4563,000 KYD
5089,000 KYD
55110,000 KYD
60130,000 KYD
65160,000 KYD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Cayman Islands about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job7%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Cayman Islands

500 KYD
$610
1,500 KYD
$1,800
10,000 KYD
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Cayman Islands


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
21%
Debt Free
79%

According to the survey, 21% of the people in Cayman Islands have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 79% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Cayman Islands

Debt to income ratio

26%

16% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 26% of the people's monthly income in Cayman Islands goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%7%
40% - 50%9%
30% - 40%11%
20% - 30%18%
10% - 20%23%
0% - 10%29%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Cayman Islands pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 7% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 9% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 11% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 18% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Cayman Islands

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage16%
Auto Loan28%
Student Loan2%
Credit Card22%
Personal Loan32%

16% of debtors in Cayman Islands confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 22% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 28% of people and personal loans rose at 32%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 2% of debtors in Cayman Islands.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Cayman Islands

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Cayman Islands how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never58%
Once a year21%
Twice a year10%
Three times a year7%
Four times a year3%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cayman Islands

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Cayman Islands

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
270 KYD 410 KYD 1,100 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300
1-bedroom apartment
410 KYD 650 KYD 1,600 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $790 $2,000
2-bedroom apartment
540 KYD 810 KYD 2,200 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600
3-bedroom apartment
650 KYD 1,100 KYD 3,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,600
Furnished apartment
1,300 KYD 3,300 KYD 6,500 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $7,900
Townhouse
1,100 KYD 1,600 KYD 4,600 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,700
House
1,300 KYD 3,300 KYD 6,500 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $7,900
Villa
1,600 KYD 4,100 KYD 6,500 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $7,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Cayman Islands ranges between 270 KYD and 1,100 KYD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 410 KYD to 1,600 KYD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 540 KYD and 2,200 KYD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 650 KYD to 3,000 KYD. The average rent of a townhouse in Cayman Islands is around 1,600 KYD while house rental costs can be as high as 3,300 KYD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,600 KYD to 6,500 KYD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Cayman Islands

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
54,000 KYD 81,000 KYD 160,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $99,000 $200,000
1-bedroom apartment
65,000 KYD 110,000 KYD 410,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $490,000
2-bedroom apartment
110,000 KYD 330,000 KYD 650,000 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $790,000
3-bedroom apartment
360,000 KYD 540,000 KYD 1.6M KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440,000 $660,000 $2M
Townhouse
460,000 KYD 1.1M KYD 4.1M KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $1.3M $4.9M
House
540,000 KYD 3.3M KYD 4.6M KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M
Villa
650,000 KYD 3.6M KYD 5.4M KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.4M $6.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Cayman Islands can range from 54,000 KYD to 160,000 KYD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 65,000 KYD to 410,000 KYD. A villa can cost you 3.6M KYD on average with prices ranging from 650,000 KYD to 5.4M KYD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Cayman Islands will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


47 x140 monthly income 224
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Cayman Islands can be x140 to x224 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x140 multiples of the average monthly salary in Cayman Islands.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 34% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Cayman Islands is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 44% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.4%
AVERAGE
3.4%
TO
4.4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


4.6 KYD 60 KYD 600 KYD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Cayman Islands

Housing35%

35% of total expenses on average (23% to 47%)

LOW$310   250 KYD
AVERAGE$920   750 KYD
HIGH$6,100   5,000 KYD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (2% to 11%)

LOW$51   42 KYD
AVERAGE$150   130 KYD
HIGH$1,000   840 KYD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$68   56 KYD
AVERAGE$200   170 KYD
HIGH$1,400   1,100 KYD
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$140   110 KYD
AVERAGE$410   330 KYD
HIGH$2,700   2,200 KYD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$76   63 KYD
AVERAGE$230   190 KYD
HIGH$1,500   1,300 KYD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$42   35 KYD
AVERAGE$130   100 KYD
HIGH$850   700 KYD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$17   14 KYD
AVERAGE$51   42 KYD
HIGH$340   280 KYD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$150   130 KYD
AVERAGE$460   380 KYD
HIGH$3,100   2,500 KYD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Cayman Islands

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (25% to 42%)

LOW$470   380 KYD
AVERAGE$1,400   1,100 KYD
HIGH$7,500   6,100 KYD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$71   58 KYD
AVERAGE$210   170 KYD
HIGH$1,100   930 KYD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$170   140 KYD
AVERAGE$510   420 KYD
HIGH$2,700   2,200 KYD
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$200   160 KYD
AVERAGE$590   490 KYD
HIGH$3,200   2,600 KYD
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$160   130 KYD
AVERAGE$470   380 KYD
HIGH$2,500   2,000 KYD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$85   70 KYD
AVERAGE$250   210 KYD
HIGH$1,400   1,100 KYD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$28   23 KYD
AVERAGE$85   70 KYD
HIGH$450   370 KYD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$240   200 KYD
AVERAGE$720   590 KYD
HIGH$3,800   3,200 KYD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Cayman Islands

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (26% to 41%)

LOW$630   520 KYD
AVERAGE$1,800   1,500 KYD
HIGH$9,900   8,200 KYD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$160   130 KYD
AVERAGE$450   370 KYD
HIGH$2,500   2,000 KYD
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$360   290 KYD
AVERAGE$1,000   840 KYD
HIGH$5,600   4,600 KYD
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$160   130 KYD
AVERAGE$450   370 KYD
HIGH$2,500   2,000 KYD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$99   81 KYD
AVERAGE$280   230 KYD
HIGH$1,600   1,300 KYD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$280   230 KYD
AVERAGE$790   650 KYD
HIGH$4,400   3,600 KYD
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$240   200 KYD
AVERAGE$680   560 KYD
HIGH$3,700   3,100 KYD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Cayman Islands

Housing23%

23% of total expenses on average (18% to 29%)

LOW$170   140 KYD
AVERAGE$430   350 KYD
HIGH$770   630 KYD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$29   23 KYD
AVERAGE$71   59 KYD
HIGH$130   110 KYD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$50   41 KYD
AVERAGE$120   100 KYD
HIGH$220   180 KYD
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$140   120 KYD
AVERAGE$360   290 KYD
HIGH$640   530 KYD
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$43   35 KYD
AVERAGE$110   88 KYD
HIGH$190   160 KYD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$36   29 KYD
AVERAGE$89   73 KYD
HIGH$160   130 KYD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$140   110 KYD
AVERAGE$340   280 KYD
HIGH$610   500 KYD
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$110   88 KYD
AVERAGE$270   220 KYD
HIGH$480   400 KYD
Per Month
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