Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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 $214Ketchikan $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $220. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Ketchikan $39
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $39Ketchikan $53
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Ketchikan $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:
- 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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS”AK Wildlife & Totem poles Tour.: $95
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- AdVenture with the Venturer: $199
- Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $280
- Alaska Bigfoot Adventures: $149
- Alaska Marine Fast Boat Adventure : $194
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaskan Cultural, Culinary and Lumberjack Show Experience: $149
- Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast: $196
- Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan: $229
- Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: $219
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Ketchikan $23
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 comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Ketchikan?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Ketchikan. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan 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, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ketchikan in the Winter?
Both Ketchikan 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. Grand Cayman is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.