Moving to the Cayman Islands

Located between North and South America in the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands is a tropical paradise and an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. It has become an increasingly attractive destination for globally mobile professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a high standard of living.

With almost twice as many companies as people and a reputation as a leading offshore financial hub, the Cayman Islands offers an enviable lifestyle – provided you can afford it.

Living in the Cayman Islands as an expat

Living in the Cayman Islands means choosing from three distinct islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Each has its own appeal. Grand Cayman is known for its world-class beach resorts and incredible scuba diving and snorkelling sites. Cayman Brac attracts deep-sea fishing enthusiasts, particularly those looking for tuna, marlin, and barracuda. Little Cayman, the smallest of the three, is famous for its diverse wildlife.

A significant portion of the Cayman Islands’ population consists of foreign nationals. The largest expat groups come from Jamaica, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Honduras. While foreign property ownership is unrestricted, real estate prices are rising, and regulatory scrutiny around offshore ownership structures is increasing.

The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is the official currency and is tied to the US Dollar. The country’s economy is driven by two key sectors: finance and tourism. The capital, George Town, remains the heart of both industries.

Getting around is easy, with well-developed transport options available across the islands.

Modes of Transport in the Cayman Islands

Cost of living in the Cayman Islands

Housing in the Cayman Islands is one of your biggest expenses. Popular expat areas like Seven Mile Beach and George Town command premium rental prices and availability can be limited.

Despite the tax-free earnings policy, high import duties on goods – ranging from 22% to 27% – drive up the cost of daily essentials. Since the Cayman Islands import most goods, this significantly impacts the price of groceries, fuel, and utilities.

If you want to cut costs, consider shopping locally when possible, carpooling, and living outside high-demand tourist areas.

Accommodation in the Cayman Islands 
Cost of Living in the Cayman Islands

Expat families and children in the Cayman Islands

Raising a family in the Cayman Islands means access to excellent education options. While public schools are free for Caymanian children, private and international schools are preferred by many expat families. These schools follow internationally recognised curricula, such as British, IB, and American systems, and often offer smaller class sizes with modern facilities.

Recent reports indicate that public schools still face challenges in mathematics proficiency, so many expat parents lean towards private education for academic consistency and extracurricular variety.

You’ll also have access to high-quality healthcare, with well-trained professionals and state-of-the-art medical facilities. All legal residents and work permit holders must have health insurance through their employer or a private provider.

Public School Education in the Cayman Islands 
International Schools in the Cayman Islands 
Healthcare and Health Insurance in the Cayman Islands

Climate in the Cayman Islands

The weather in the Cayman Islands is tropical, with distinct dry and wet seasons. Hurricanes and heavy rains are common between June and November, so staying informed on storm warnings and preparedness measures is essential.

Despite occasional extreme weather, the region remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, offering a relaxed lifestyle, endless outdoor activities, and stunning natural beauty.

Weather in the Cayman Islands

Fast facts

Population: About 73,000

Capital city: George Town

Neighbouring countries: The Cayman Islands is in the Greater Antilles, which comprises countries such as Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Geography: The Cayman Islands are in the western Caribbean Sea, and the islands are the peaks of a massive underwater ridge known as the Cayman Ridge (or Cayman Rise). The Cayman Islands consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Political system: British Overseas Territory

Major religions: Christianity

Main languages: English

Money: The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is divided into 100 cents. KYD 1 is pegged to USD 1.20, which is also widely accepted. ATMs are available in Grand Cayman and Little Cayman but are concentrated in George Town.

Tipping: Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10 to 15 percent service charge to the bill; otherwise, a gratuity of the same amount is expected. At hotels, a 10 percent government tax is also usually added to the cost of your room. Taxi drivers expect a 10 to 15 percent tip as well.

Time: GMT-5 (EST)

Electricity: 110V, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Internet domain: .ky

International dialling code: +1 (345)

Emergency contacts: 911

Transport and driving: Drive on the left-hand side. Cars can be hired by over-21s. Public transport on Grand Cayman includes taxis, limousines and minibuses, which travel through all the main districts. Cayman Airways provides air transfers between islands, and the only interisland boat charter is through private hire.