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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Grand Cayman can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, and The Best Budget Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Mar del Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $214. 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 Mar del Plata and Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.15
    Grand Cayman $150
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.30
    Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman? 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 Mar del Plata


Hotels in Grand Cayman


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.50
    Grand Cayman $31

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: $106
  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman and Mar del Plata 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
    Mar del Plata $3.81
    Grand Cayman $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.27
    Grand Cayman $41

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 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
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $275
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $262
  • Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
  • Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
  • Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
  • West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.78
    Grand Cayman $13

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 Mar del Plata and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mar del Plata is in South America and Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Grand Cayman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Grand Cayman, 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 Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman?

Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Grand Caymanin July. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Grand Cayman. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

Mar del Plata is much colder than Grand Cayman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

Both Grand Cayman and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F)in January.

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

Both Grand Cayman and Mar del Plata during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Grand Caymanin April. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)