Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Anchorage?
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 Anchorage. 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 Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Anchorage? 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $39Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
- Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
- Stingraycity Adventure: $69
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
- Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
- Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
- Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
- Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Anchorage $20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?
Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Anchorage. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Grand Cayman during the winter 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 Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.