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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Pasadena?

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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena?

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.

Pasadena

Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena 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 Pasadena is $62. 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 Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $150
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $300
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Pasadena? 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 Pasadena


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 Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Pasadena $21

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena 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
    Pasadena $19

Typical Food Prices in Pasadena

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:


  • Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Pasadena -

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 Pasadena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:

  • LA: East Side Guided Film Locations Tour: $350
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $33
  • Old Pasadena Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Pasadena -
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 Pasadena, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Pasadena 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 Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Pasadena.

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 Pasadena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Pasadena?

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

Pasadena 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 Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Pasadena. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena 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, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena 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, many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Pasadena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

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

In April, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)