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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?

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.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is $224. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Philadelphia $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia


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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Philadelphia $28

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 Philadelphia

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

  • Private transfer from PHL to Philadelphia Downtown: $130
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Luxury SUV: $115
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer Philadephia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $94
  • Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadephia Airport PHL by SUV: $146
  • Philadelphia City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $210
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Arrival Private Transfer: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Philadelphia?

Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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
    Philadelphia $84

Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Nibble Food Tour: $58
  • Philadelphia Italian Market Public Food Tour: $59
  • Center City Philadelphia Food Tour with Reading Market : $59
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
  • Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market: $95
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $105
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Philadelphia $28

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 Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

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

  • 2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with Washington War Tent Show: $45
  • 3-Hour Private Favorite & Secret Bars Walking Tour Philadelphia: $35
  • 90 Minute History Walking Tour of Old City Philadelphia: $29
  • Alexander Hamilton Private Group Walking Tour in Philadelphia: $250
  • Arabic Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia for 2 hours. : $75
  • BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
  • Badass Women's History Walking Tour of Philadelphia: $59
  • City Sightseeing Philadelphia Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off (24, 48, 72 Hours): $68
  • City Sightseeing Philadelphia Founding Fathers Walking Tour : $32
  • City Sightseeing Philadelphia HOHO Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $39
  • Classic Philadelphia City Bike Tour: $79
  • Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Philadelphia $21
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 Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $50
  • Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia 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, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Philadelphia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Philadelphia. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Philadelphia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)