Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $16Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $48. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.92Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Cartagena $54
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.46Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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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
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $253
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
- 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): $29
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Airport Hotel Transfer: $19
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $92
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
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Food Meals for one dayAlexandria $6.39Cartagena $9.82
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: $35
- Alexandria Food Tour: $50
- 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.
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $44
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cooking Class: Street food & Mojito making: $50
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
- Street food tour: $61
- 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.46Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.26
- Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.26
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.26
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.26
- Skip The Line Bibliotheca Alexandria Entry Ticket: $4.26
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.35
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.50
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.42
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.58
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.33Cartagena $9.21
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: $19
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $72
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 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) |
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.