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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Montreal?

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 Montreal. 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 Montreal?

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.

Montreal

While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.

Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal 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 Montreal is $235. 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 Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Montreal? 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 Montreal


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 Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Montreal $20

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 Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Quebec City: $995
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Hotels: $74
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $394
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $232
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal 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
    Montreal $62

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $61
  • Jean-Talon & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tasting: $77
  • Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $80
  • Mile End District Food Tour with 8+ Tastings: $81
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Montreal Mile End or Jean Talon Market Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $114
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $128
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Montreal $21

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Botanical Gardens (family of 4)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • Experience Montréal Axe Throwing Adventure: $29
  • The Ultimate Montreal Boat Tour – Fall Colors Apéro Edition : $22
  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $24
  • 1-Hour Jet Ski Guided Tour – Explore Montreal Waterways in Style!: $139
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $22
  • A Walking Tour of Old Montreal: $25
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $95
  • Bell Centre: Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $103
  • Best of Montréal: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $55
  • Bike / E-bike Tour : Downtown, Old Montreal, Waterfront by Fitz: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Montreal $16
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:


  • Vodka
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $24
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $85


When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Montreal, 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 Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

Montreal 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 Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Montreal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Montreal. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Montreal. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Montreal. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Grand Cayman during the spring 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)