Cayman Islands

Profiled in George Town · the Caribbean

8fit /10

A tidy, sun-bleached financial capital where offshore lawyers, dive boats, and Seven Mile Beach sunsets share the same small waterfront.

CapitalGeorge Town
LanguageEnglish (official)
CurrencyCayman Islands dollar (KYD), pegged at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD; US dollars accepted everywhere
PopulationGeorge Town about 35,000; Cayman Islands about 85,000

Cost of living

What a month costs

$2,200Comfortable single
$5,600Family of four
$2,4001-bed, central
$22Casual meal

Among the priciest places in the Caribbean. Almost everything is imported, utilities are steep, and rents near Seven Mile Beach run high.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

Safety9
Infrastructure8
English10
Kids’ schools8
Integration7
Healthcare8
Residency path7
Tax10
Climate7

See and do

Top 10 in George Town

  1. Seven Mile BeachThe powdery public beach that starts just north of town and defines the island.
  2. Cayman Islands National MuseumIsland history inside the restored Old Courts Building on Harbour Drive.
  3. National Gallery of the Cayman IslandsContemporary and heritage Caymanian art near the George Town edge.
  4. Elmslie Memorial United ChurchLandmark waterfront church with an upturned-boat ceiling.
  5. Heroes SquareCentral civic plaza with monuments beside the legislative buildings.
  6. Fort GeorgeSmall 18th-century fort ruins overlooking the harbour.
  7. Smith CoveLocals' swimming and snorkelling cove just south of town, also called Smith Barcadere.
  8. Camana BayPlanned waterfront town just north with an observation tower and canal-side shops.
  9. Harbour Drive waterfrontThe cruise-ship promenade lined with duty-free shops and sea views.
  10. Cayman Craft MarketOpen-air stalls near the harbour selling local crafts, sauces, and rum cake.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

  1. Rum PointCalm, shallow beach on Grand Cayman's north shore, an easy drive or ferry from town.
  2. Stingray CityFamous sandbar in the North Sound where you stand in waist-deep water with wild stingrays.
  3. Little CaymanShort hop by island plane for Bloody Bay Wall, one of the world's great dive sites.
  4. Cayman BracDramatic limestone bluff, caves, and quiet fishing villages for a slower weekend.
  5. Havana, CubaUnder an hour by air for old cars, live music, and a total change of pace.

Coffee

Best cafes

  1. Bread & ChocolatePopular plant-based cafe in George Town, strong on brunch and coffee.
  2. Full of Beans CafeLong-running local favourite at Pasadora Place for breakfast and lunch.
  3. Cafe del SolHome-grown Cayman coffee chain with several island locations.
  4. Icoa Fine FoodsFrench-style bakery and cafe known for pastries and fresh loaves.

Restaurants

Where to eat

  1. Grand Old HouseHistoric waterfront fine dining just south of George Town.
  2. Lobster PotLong-established harbour-side seafood spot with sea views.
  3. Casanova by the SeaItalian cooking right on the George Town waterfront.
  4. Champion House IICaymanian home cooking and turtle stew in the heart of town.
  5. The WharfSeven Mile Beach institution famous for its nightly tarpon feeding.
  6. AguaLatin and Italian seafood at the Camana Bay waterfront.
  7. Blue by Eric RipertThe Ritz-Carlton's celebrated fine-dining room on Seven Mile Beach.

Morning

Best breakfast

  1. Full of Beans CafeReliable morning stop for cooked breakfasts and strong coffee.
  2. Bread & ChocolateVegan-friendly brunch plates and pastries in George Town.
  3. Icoa Fine FoodsCroissants, breads, and a quick espresso before work.
  4. Cafe del SolLocal chain doing breakfast bagels and island coffee.
  5. Eats CafeCasual all-day diner popular for big breakfast plates.
  6. CimbocoCaribbean cafe at Marquee Plaza with a solid brunch menu.

Residency

Wealthy movers typically use the Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means, which needs roughly CI$1 million invested in property plus proven annual income. Remote workers can instead apply for the Global Citizen Certificate with a salary from US$100,000.

Tax

The Cayman Islands levy no income, capital gains, corporate, or inheritance tax. Government revenue comes from import duties, work permit fees, and one-time stamp duty on property.

Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Cayman Islands residency and citizenship routes →

Curious what you would actually pay? See the Cayman Islands tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →

Nearby

More of the Caribbean

AnguillaThe Valley · Overall fit 7/10Antigua and BarbudaSt. John's · Overall fit 7/10ArubaOranjestad · Overall fit 7/10The BahamasNassau · Overall fit 7/10BarbadosBridgetown · Overall fit 7/10British Virgin IslandsRoad Town · Overall fit 7/10

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to live in Cayman Islands?

About $2,200 a month for one person and $5,600 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $2,400, and a casual meal costs about $22. Among the priciest places in the Caribbean. Almost everything is imported, utilities are steep, and rents near Seven Mile Beach run high.

Is Cayman Islands safe, and what is healthcare like?

In our index safety scores 9 out of 10 and healthcare 8 out of 10, where 10 is best.

What language and currency are used in Cayman Islands?

English (official). The currency is Cayman Islands dollar (KYD), pegged at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD; US dollars accepted everywhere.

What is the capital of Cayman Islands?

George Town.

How can a foreigner get residency in Cayman Islands?

Wealthy movers typically use the Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means, which needs roughly CI$1 million invested in property plus proven annual income. Remote workers can instead apply for the Global Citizen Certificate with a salary from US$100,000.

What taxes does Cayman Islands charge?

The Cayman Islands levy no income, capital gains, corporate, or inheritance tax. Government revenue comes from import duties, work permit fees, and one-time stamp duty on property.