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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $276. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Phoenix $39

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 Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
  • Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
  • Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $90

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
  • Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
  • Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
  • Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135

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

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

  • Phoenix South Mountain Hiking Tour Experience: $64
  • 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in the Festive of Phoenix : $261
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $69
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $75
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $115
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert: $237
  • 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
  • Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Apache Trail w/Dolly Steamboat Full Day Small Group Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Phoenix $17
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 Phoenix

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

  • Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
  • Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
  • Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200


When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Grand Cayman is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Phoenix. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix 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, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix 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.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)