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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Ottawa?

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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

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.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second.  It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa 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 Ottawa is $134. 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 Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa


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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Ottawa $7.21

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 Ottawa

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $216
  • Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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
    Ottawa $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $76
  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $77
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $106
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
  • Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Ottawa $40

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 Ottawa

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

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
  • A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $351
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
  • Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River: $159
  • Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
  • Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $23
  • Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $458
  • Experience Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour: $73
  • Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $234
  • Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $351
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $286
  • Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Ottawa $18
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa

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

  • Chelsea: Guided tour of the Square Distillery: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Ottawa, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Ottawa 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 Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.

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 Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa 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 Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ottawa in the Winter?

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

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

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Ottawa. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)