Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Cartagena?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $74Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $74, 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 Bali and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $42Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $84Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Bali and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $9.12Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
- Bali Gili Fast Boat Transfer Ticket All Inclusive: $51
- Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
- Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $59
- Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Bali Spa Treatment with Airport Transfers (Departure): $56
- Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
- Bali Tours 4U Airport and Seaport transfers. 24 hours a day.: $21
- Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64
- Bali White Water Rafting with Lunch and Private Transfer: $48
- Bali and Nusa Penida: Fast Boat Transfers: $29
- Bali and Trawangan: Fastboat with Optional Bali Transfer: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in Marbella: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Cartagena: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Morros: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Getsemani: $7.97
- Transfer aeropuerto-centro: $8.19
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Cartagena City or Vice Versa: $10
- Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $10
- Cartagena:Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in the Bosque: $11
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Laguito: $11
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Castillogrande: $11
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Manga: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Bali 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 dayBali $21Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.25
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.14
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Lunch for 2$9.02
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Dinner for 2$9.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $29
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $33
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
- Bali Private tour Beach,Traditional dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $45
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Bali Street Food Tour: $45
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.Bali $11Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$13
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Bali Water Sports Adventure: $7.89
- Bali Bird Park 1-Day Admission Ticket: $9.12
- Private ATV Quad Bike Guided Adventure in Ubud: $12
- Private Tour to New Indonesia Urban Destination: $13
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
- Uluwatu Temple and Karang Boma Cliff Tour with Tickets: $15
- Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $19
- All-Inclusive White Water Rafting Adventure in Ubud: $19
- 1-Day Instant Entry Ticket to Waterbom Bali: $19
- Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, Temple & Waterfalls Tour: $20
- Bali Nusa Dua Theatre: Devdan Show Tickets: $20
- Bali Traditional Purification And Sightseeing Private Guided Tour: $20
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 dayBali $3.23Cartagena $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 Bali and Cartagena, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia 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 Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali than you might in Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali 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 Bali or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
April to September in Bali is the dry season. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bali is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Bali or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Cartagena. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
October to March in Bali is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Cartagena. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Bali is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bali or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bali is October to March. In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bali or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
April to September is the dry season in Bali. Bali usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Bali is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Bali
| Bali | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.