Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman?
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 Chiang Mai and Grand Cayman. 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: Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Grand Cayman $215
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $215. 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 Chiang Mai and Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman? 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.
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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $12
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Van: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $45
- Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $24
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $37
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Car: Chiang Mai Airport Transfers : $25
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $54
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Chiang Mai 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
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $10Grand Cayman $39
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Grand Cayman $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Classic Food Tasting Walking Tour Shore Excursion : $159
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- East Island Tour : $298
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $278
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $264
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Grand Cayman $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Grand Cayman, 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 Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Grand Cayman. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Grand Cayman. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
Both Grand Cayman and Chiang Mai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Grand Cayman. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.