Which place is cheaper, Monterey 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 Monterey?
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 Monterey. 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 Monterey?
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.
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Grand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands PricesMonterey Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $242Monterey $211
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $211. 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 Monterey in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Monterey $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Monterey
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Monterey? 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 Monterey Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Monterey $32
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 Monterey?
Prices for flights to both Monterey 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 $67Monterey $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Monterey $27
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 Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr: $79
- Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $214
- From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $131
- Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $24
- Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
- Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $75
- Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $208
- Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour including 17 Mile Drive: $202
- Monterey- 3 Hour GPS Guided Tour: $229
- 1-Hour GPS Guided Scooter Car Tour: $112
- 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
- 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Monterey $21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $206
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Monterey, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Monterey?
Monterey has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Monterey, 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 Monterey?
Monterey 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 Monterey in the Summer?
Both Monterey 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, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Monterey. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Monterey 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Monterey in the Autumn?
Both Monterey 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 travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Monterey 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Monterey in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Monterey 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Monterey in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Monterey. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Monterey 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Monterey and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Monterey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.