Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Cartagena?
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 Beirut and Cartagena. 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: Beirut or Cartagena?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.25Cartagena $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.25, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $44. 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 Beirut and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Cartagena $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Cartagena $50
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Cartagena $7.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- luxury private Vehicle, airport/hotel transfer or viceversa: $35
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena APT-HTL(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $15
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $15
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $23
- Transfer in Private Minivan from City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $16
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $16
- Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $23
- Transfer from Rafael Nuñez Airport to Cartagena Hotel Zone: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Cartagena $9.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Motorbike Tour in Beirut with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
- Motorbike Tour with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
- Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $74
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
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
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $41
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Cooking class, Caribbean lunch at our place: $49
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Fenix Beach Island Dinner: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Cartagena $20
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $10
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut Walking Tour - Discover Beirut by foot: $25
- Hidden Gems of Hamra and Ras A Walking Tour: $30
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Lebanon's Historic Gems: Private Tour of Jeita, Byblos & Harissa: $40
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $49
- New Small-Group Tour Semi-Private to Jeita,Harissa&Byblos: $50
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Guided Tour in Turbaco and the Botanical Garden with Lunch: $97
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Playa Blanca Private tour : $148
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $95
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Cartagena $8.60
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bekaa Valley Wine Tour: Savour Lebanon's Finest: $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Private Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch from Beirut: $82
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $106
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
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: $18
- Pub Crawl Getsemaní: $18
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $22
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $44
- Get the Nightlife Vibe & Bar crawl: $54
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $62
- Pub Crawl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Cartagena?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Beirut or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Cartagena. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Beirut is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Beirut is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Cartagena. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the winter, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
In January, Beirut is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
Beirut is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Beirut
| Beirut | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 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 | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.