Cayman Islands
Profiled in George Town · the Caribbean
A tidy, sun-bleached financial capital where offshore lawyers, dive boats, and Seven Mile Beach sunsets share the same small waterfront.
Cost of living
What a month costs
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
See and do
Top 10 in George Town
- Seven Mile BeachThe powdery public beach that starts just north of town and defines the island.
- Cayman Islands National MuseumIsland history inside the restored Old Courts Building on Harbour Drive.
- National Gallery of the Cayman IslandsContemporary and heritage Caymanian art near the George Town edge.
- Elmslie Memorial United ChurchLandmark waterfront church with an upturned-boat ceiling.
- Heroes SquareCentral civic plaza with monuments beside the legislative buildings.
- Fort GeorgeSmall 18th-century fort ruins overlooking the harbour.
- Smith CoveLocals' swimming and snorkelling cove just south of town, also called Smith Barcadere.
- Camana BayPlanned waterfront town just north with an observation tower and canal-side shops.
- Harbour Drive waterfrontThe cruise-ship promenade lined with duty-free shops and sea views.
- Cayman Craft MarketOpen-air stalls near the harbour selling local crafts, sauces, and rum cake.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Rum PointCalm, shallow beach on Grand Cayman's north shore, an easy drive or ferry from town.
- Stingray CityFamous sandbar in the North Sound where you stand in waist-deep water with wild stingrays.
- Little CaymanShort hop by island plane for Bloody Bay Wall, one of the world's great dive sites.
- Cayman BracDramatic limestone bluff, caves, and quiet fishing villages for a slower weekend.
- Havana, CubaUnder an hour by air for old cars, live music, and a total change of pace.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Bread & ChocolatePopular plant-based cafe in George Town, strong on brunch and coffee.
- Full of Beans CafeLong-running local favourite at Pasadora Place for breakfast and lunch.
- Cafe del SolHome-grown Cayman coffee chain with several island locations.
- Icoa Fine FoodsFrench-style bakery and cafe known for pastries and fresh loaves.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Grand Old HouseHistoric waterfront fine dining just south of George Town.
- Lobster PotLong-established harbour-side seafood spot with sea views.
- Casanova by the SeaItalian cooking right on the George Town waterfront.
- Champion House IICaymanian home cooking and turtle stew in the heart of town.
- The WharfSeven Mile Beach institution famous for its nightly tarpon feeding.
- AguaLatin and Italian seafood at the Camana Bay waterfront.
- Blue by Eric RipertThe Ritz-Carlton's celebrated fine-dining room on Seven Mile Beach.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Full of Beans CafeReliable morning stop for cooked breakfasts and strong coffee.
- Bread & ChocolateVegan-friendly brunch plates and pastries in George Town.
- Icoa Fine FoodsCroissants, breads, and a quick espresso before work.
- Cafe del SolLocal chain doing breakfast bagels and island coffee.
- Eats CafeCasual all-day diner popular for big breakfast plates.
- 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 →
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