Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor 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.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor?
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 Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor?
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.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Grand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands PricesBar Harbor Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $242Bar Harbor $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Bar Harbor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Bar Harbor $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Bar Harbor
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor? 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 Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Bar Harbor $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103
- Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor?
Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $67Bar Harbor $98
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Bar Harbor $39
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13
- Diamonds and Cocktails a Shopping Experience in Grand Cayman: $25
- 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
- Grand Cayman Hop On Hop Off Island Adventure: $40
- Stingray City and Snorkeling Tour Starfish Point Adventure: $53
- Stingray City, Snorkeling, & StarFish Adventure: $55
- Stingray City and Starfish Experience with Coral Reef Snorkeling: $55
- Stingray City Catamaran Sunset Tour: $59
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $65
- 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
- Stingray City Sandbar Experience: $65
- StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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Sunset Cruise (for 4)$96
Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:
- 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $700
- 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
- Acadia Fat tire Ebike Tours: $190
- Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike: $427
- Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Thunder Hole & Acadia: $159
- Bar Harbor Premium Tour with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia Park: $149
- Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
- Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Bar Harbor $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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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 comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Bar Harbor is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Bar Harbor. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?
Both Bar Harbor and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor in the Winter?
Both Bar Harbor and Grand Cayman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Bar Harbor in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Bar Harbor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 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.