Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Santa Monica?
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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica?
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.
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Santa Monica $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $210. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Santa Monica $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Santa Monica $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 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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 $39Santa Monica $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
- Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
- Marina del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Santa Monica $38
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 Santa Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- 15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey: $129
- 2 Hour Sailing Adventure From Marina Del Rey: $160
- 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
- 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
- 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour: $80
- All Day Tour 6.5 Hour : $111
- Bring-Your-Own-Food and Drinks Marina del Rey Boat Tour: $80
- City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
- Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour: $90
- Dolphins Whales and Sea Lion Wildlife Sightseeing Boat Tour: $90
- Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Karaoke Boat Cruise ( Drinks included) LA's best attraction: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Santa Monica $21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195
- Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199
- Charcuterie Board and Wine Tasting in Marina Bay: $300
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Santa Monica, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Santa Monica. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
Both Santa Monica 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 visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Santa Monica in the Winter?
Both Santa Monica 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, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Santa Monica in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Santa Monica. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Santa Monica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 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.