Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Charlotte?
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 Charlotte. 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 Charlotte?
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.
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Charlotte $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Charlotte 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 Charlotte in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Charlotte $118
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Charlotte
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Charlotte? 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 Charlotte Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Charlotte $33
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: $107
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
- Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
- Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Charlotte?
Prices for flights to both Charlotte 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 $39Charlotte $46
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Charlotte $43
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 Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
- 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: $276
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $263
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
- 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
- Beer & BBQ Walking Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $115
- Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
- Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
- Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $40
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
- Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
- Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
- Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
- Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Charlotte $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 Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
- Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
- Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Charlotte?
Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?
Charlotte 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 Charlotte in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Charlotte. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Charlotte 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Charlotte in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Charlotte. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Charlotte. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Charlotte 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Charlotte in the Winter?
Both Charlotte 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, the winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Charlotte 42°F (6°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Charlotte in the Spring?
Both Charlotte 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. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than Charlotte in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Charlotte 63°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Charlotte and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Charlotte | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.