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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga?

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.

Chattanooga

Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Grand Cayman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $182. 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 Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $150
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $300
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Chattanooga? 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 Chattanooga


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 Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Chattanooga $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
  • Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga 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 $39
    Chattanooga $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Chattanooga $52

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

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $26
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Chattanooga $24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:


  • Beer
    $4.97

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 Grand Cayman and Chattanooga, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Chattanooga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Chattanooga is in North America, 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 Chattanooga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.

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 Chattanooga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga 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. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Chattanooga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Chattanooga in the Winter?

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

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga 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.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)