Should I Visit Alexandria or Cartagena for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Alexandria or Cartagena?

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 Alexandria and Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Cartagena?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

Cartagena

The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Egypt, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cairo, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Colombia.

Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Alexandria Prices
Egypt Prices

Cartagena Prices
Colombia Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Alexandria $20

Cartagena $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $20, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $49. 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 Alexandria and Cartagena in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Alexandria $7.51

Cartagena $24
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Alexandria $15

Cartagena $48

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Cartagena? 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Alexandria $2.34

Cartagena $6.71

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:

Taxi to Train Station

$0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $75
Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $82
Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $55
Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $75
Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $47
Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $47
Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $47
Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $176
Airport Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $7.00
Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $22
Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
Airport Transfers Cartagena: $34
Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Alexandria 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

Alexandria $10

Cartagena $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
Alexandria Food Tour: $40
Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.

Street food tour Cartagena: $30
The best food tour of the old city: $36
Cooking Class In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $38
Street food tour Cartagena: $40
Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $42
Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $54
Fenix Beach Island Dinner: $59
Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Street food tour: $61

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Alexandria $3.28

Cartagena $19

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.24
Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.24
Skip The Line Bibliotheca Alexandria Entry Ticket: $4.24
Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $14
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pickup and Drop Off: $15
Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city : $20
Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $27

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Trendy Cartagena photo/ Video Tour Free: $0.02
Shared Tour Cartagena's First Getsemani District Tour: $5.25
Shared Tour Gabriel García Marquez in Cartagena: $5.25
Shared Complete Tour of Cartagena's Old Walled City: $5.25
Shared Most Complete Tour Cartagena's Old City & Getsemani: $5.25
Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
Shared Tour to San Felipe de Barajas Castle in Cartagena: $6.69
Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $8.10
Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $8.10
Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.10
Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.55

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Alexandria $1.27

Cartagena $8.24

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $17
Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $39
Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $44
Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $60

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Cartagena is in South 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Cartagena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cartagena than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Cartagena?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Cartagena, 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 Alexandria or Cartagena?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Summer?

Both Cartagena and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Alexandria is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Alexandria is cooler than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Alexandria is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Cartagena. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Alexandria usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cartagena. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Alexandria is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Alexandria

	Alexandria		Cartagena
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	13°C (55°F)	50 mm (2 in)	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb	13°C (55°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar	16°C (61°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr	19°C (66°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	28°C (82°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
May	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	29°C (84°F)	50 mm (2 in)
Jun	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	29°C (84°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	29°C (84°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	28°C (82°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	29°C (84°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov	19°C (66°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)	28°C (82°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec	14°C (57°F)	50 mm (2 in)	27°C (81°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Cartagena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria or Cartagena?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Cartagena?

Alexandria

Cartagena

Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Alexandria?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Cartagena

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Cartagena?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Cartagena?

When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Cartagena?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Summer?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Winter?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Alexandria

Related Articles for Alexandria

Related Articles for Cartagena

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Cartagena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria or Cartagena?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Cartagena?

Alexandria

Cartagena

Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Alexandria?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Cartagena

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Cartagena?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Cartagena?

When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Cartagena?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Summer?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Winter?

Should I visit Alexandria or Cartagena in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Alexandria

Related Articles for Alexandria

Related Articles for Cartagena

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