Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Marathon?
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 Marathon. 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 Marathon?
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.
Marathon
You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Grand Cayman Prices
Cayman Islands PricesMarathon Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $242Marathon $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Marathon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Marathon $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Marathon
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Marathon? 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 Marathon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Marathon $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Marathon?
Prices for flights to both Marathon 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 $67Marathon $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Marathon $27
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
- 3-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $107
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
- Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $77
- Cayman 3 in 1 Combo Adventure Stingray City Reef Snorkeling: $104
- Cayman Adventure Stingrays Starfish plus Crystal Caves : $89
- Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Night Tour: $144
- Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $119
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman: $143
- Cayman Ultimate Tour: Stingray City, Snorkeling & Beach Lunch: $168
Tours and Activities in Marathon
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.
- Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
- Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
- Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
- Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Marathon $24
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$4.95
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
- Cayman Art and Wine Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Marathon, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Marathon 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 Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Marathon.
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 Marathon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Marathon?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Marathon, 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 Marathon?
Marathon 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 Marathon in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Marathon averages at about 84°F (29°C).
Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Marathon. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Marathon 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Marathon in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Marathon. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
It's quite rainy in Marathon. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Marathon. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Marathon 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Marathon in the Winter?
Both Marathon 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 cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Marathon in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Marathon. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Marathon 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Marathon in the Spring?
Both Marathon 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, many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Marathon averages at about 77°F (25°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Marathon 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Marathon and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Marathon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.