Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Grand Cayman or Arlington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Arlington. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Arlington?
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.
Arlington
Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, capital of the United States, Arlington is a city that also has many government sites and monuments that commemorate the nation's past. Two of its most famous features include Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon-the largest office building in the world.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
-
Grand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands PricesArlington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $242Arlington $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $323. 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 Grand Cayman and Arlington in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Arlington $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Arlington
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Arlington? 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.
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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Arlington $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington
Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Arlington?
Prices for flights to both Arlington and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $67Arlington $139
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Arlington $11
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
- 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
- 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
- Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $77
- Cayman 3 in 1 Combo Adventure Stingray City Reef Snorkeling: $104
- Cayman Adventure Stingrays Starfish plus Crystal Caves : $89
- Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Night Tour: $144
- Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $119
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman: $143
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Arlington $17
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 Grand Cayman and Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Grand Cayman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Arlington is in North America, 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 Grand Cayman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Grand Cayman 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Grand Cayman.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Arlington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Arlington?
Arlington has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Arlington, 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 Grand Cayman or Arlington?
Arlington 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 Grand Cayman or Arlington in the Summer?
Both Arlington and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Arlington. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Arlington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Arlington in the Autumn?
Both Arlington and Grand Cayman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Arlington. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Arlington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Arlington in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Arlington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.
It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Arlington. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Arlington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Arlington in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Arlington. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Arlington. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Arlington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Arlington and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Arlington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.