Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Columbus?
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus?
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.
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Columbus $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $158. 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 Columbus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Columbus $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Columbus
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Columbus? 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 Columbus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Columbus $50
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 or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus
Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Columbus?
Prices for flights to both Columbus 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 $39Columbus $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Columbus $46
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 Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
- Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Columbus $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Columbus, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Columbus 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 Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.
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 Columbus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Columbus?
Columbus has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Columbus, 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 Columbus?
Columbus 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 Columbus in the Summer?
Both Columbus and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Columbus. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Columbus 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Columbus in the Autumn?
Both Columbus and Grand Cayman during the autumn 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 visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Columbus 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Columbus in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Columbus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Columbus can be very cold during winter. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Columbus 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Columbus in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Columbus. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Columbus 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Columbus and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Columbus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 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.