A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grand Cayman vs. Hood River for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 Hood River?

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.

Hood River

The city of Hood River is the seat of Hood River County, Oregon, United States. It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. The dynamic town of Hood River is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in the world. Strong river currents, prevailing westerly winds and a vast body of water provide the perfect conditions for these wind sports, attracting sometimes hundreds of photogenic enthusiasts who zip back and forth across the wide Columbia River.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $174. 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 Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Hood River? 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.

Hotels in Grand Cayman


Hotels in Hood River


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 Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Hood River $46

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River 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 day
    Grand Cayman $67
    Hood River $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Hood River $18

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

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Hood River $19
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 Hood River, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Hood River 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 Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman than you might in Hood River.

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 Hood River Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Hood River?

Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Hood River 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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River 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, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Hood River. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Hood River. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Hood River. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Hood River. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Hood River. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)