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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma. 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 Sonoma?

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.

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma 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 Sonoma is $219. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $150
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $300
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma


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 Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Sonoma $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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
    Sonoma $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Sonoma $16

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 Sonoma

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.

  • Create your own wine blend experience: $140
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300
  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Sonoma $41
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sonoma:

  • San Francisco: Half-Day Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included: $189
  • Sonoma Food & Wine Tour: $235


When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Sonoma?

Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Sonoma. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Sonoma. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In the autumn, Grand Cayman is much warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sonoma averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma 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, many travelers come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Grand Cayman is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sonoma in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Grand Cayman is much warmer than Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)