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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Portland?

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 Portland. 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 Portland?

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.

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Portland? 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 Portland


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 Portland Hotel Prices.

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

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

  • Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Portland City Hotels to Astoria Cruise Port: $226
  • Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $226
  • Private Transfer from Astoria Cruise Port to Portland city hotels: $226
  • Private Departure Transfer to Portland Airport (PDX): $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Portland Airport PDX: $40
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland 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
    Portland $74

Typical Food Prices in Portland

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


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

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

  • Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57
  • Walking Pizza Tour: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Westside Food Tour Like a Local: $90
  • Downtown Food Tour of 6 Local Favorites Dishes: $100
  • Portland Downtown Food Tour: 6 Tastings of Local & Global Flavors: $109
  • Alphabet District Food Tour: $119
  • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
  • Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise: $127
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Portland $25

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 Portland

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

  • 2-hour Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $104
  • 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $87
  • 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
  • 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
  • A Guided Walking Tour of Vibrant Downtown Portland: $44
  • Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $85
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Capture your Oregon Adventures in a Magical Place: $189
  • Coffee Roasters of Portland Eastside Walking Tour : $55
  • Coffee, Donuts & Chocolate Tour : $69
  • Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day: $129
  • Columbia River Gorge Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Portland $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 Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Power Through Portland Bar Crawl: $12
  • Private or Shared Party Bike Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Oregon Priority Wine Tasting Pass: $40
  • Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $48
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Fun Pasta Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland: $75
  • Fun Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland: $75
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99
  • Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Urban Wine Tasting Tour: $139


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


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Portland, 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 Portland?

Portland 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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland 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 summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Portland. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Portland in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Portland. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Portland. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)