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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine?

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, Maine. 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, Maine?

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, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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.

  • Grand Cayman Prices
    Cayman Islands Prices
    Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Grand Cayman $242
    Portland, Maine $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine? 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, Maine


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, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Portland, Maine $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103
  • Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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, Maine $84

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portland, Maine.

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Portland, Maine $39

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

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

  • CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13
  • Diamonds and Cocktails a Shopping Experience in Grand Cayman: $25
  • 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
  • Grand Cayman Hop On Hop Off Island Adventure: $40
  • Stingray City and Snorkeling Tour Starfish Point Adventure: $53
  • Stingray City, Snorkeling, & StarFish Adventure: $55
  • Stingray City and Starfish Experience with Coral Reef Snorkeling: $55
  • Stingray City Catamaran Sunset Tour: $59
  • West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $65
  • 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
  • Stingray City Sandbar Experience: $65
  • StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Scenic Powerboat Cruise Experience Portland's Waterfront: $143
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $62
  • Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $67
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $85
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $56
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
  • Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise: $56
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Portland, Maine $24
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, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Portland, Maine, 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, Maine?

Portland, Maine 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, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Grand Cayman during the summer 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 travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Portland, Maine. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)