Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Belize City or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City or Cartagena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Belize City or Cartagena?
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.
This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.
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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Belize City Prices
Belize PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $108Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $108, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Belize City and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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: Belize City Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.81Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Belize Airport (BZE) to Belize city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Belize Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
- Belize City Airport to Placencia Private Transfer: $150
- Belize City to Belize Airport (BZE) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Belize City to Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) to Belize City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) to Belize city hotels -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $72
- Private Transfer from Belize City To Hopkins Village : $115
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
- Private transfer from the Philip Goldson Airport to San Ignacio: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfers from the Airport to Hotels in Cartagena: $10
- Transfer to Exclusive Beach Club in the Rosario Islands.: $150
- Transfer speedboat round trip Cartagena Islas del Rosario: $40
- Transfer service in Cartagena: $53
- Transfer Private Airport - Manzanillo del Mar: $30
- Transfer Privado del Aeropuerto de Cartagena (CTG) al Hotel: $35
- Transfer Cartagena : $53
- The best private Transfer from/to Cartagena airport. ONE WAY : $23
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG)-Manzanillo / Baru: $32
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG): $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Belize City 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 dayBelize City $47Cartagena $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City
For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour - fish farm & restaurant : $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The Historic Belize City Tour: $35
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Cucumber Beach and City Tour: $49
- Cave Kayak tour for Belize Car Rental : $59
- Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour in Belize: $60
- TukTuk Belize History & Culture Tour : $60
- Taste Bud Explosion Food Tasting Belize City Tour : $74
- Charlie's Cave Tubing Tour for cruisers (lunch included): $75
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- The Incredible Cave Tubing Adventure from Belize City: $85
- Turtle Garden Snorkeling Tour and Island Break : $90
- Private Altun Ha Maya Ruin & Belize City Adventure From Belize City: $107
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
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Palmarito Tour with Private Beach, Pools and Full Food: $66
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $43
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $160
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $30
- 2-Hour Cartagena Bay Tour: $30
- 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $65
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belize City and Cartagena, we can see that Belize City is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central America 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 Belize City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belize City 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 Belize City Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize City 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 Belize City 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 Belize City or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Belize City during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 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 Belize City. In the summer, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
In July, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 28°C (82°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Belize City usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Cartagena. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Belize City receives a lot of rain in the winter. Belize City usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 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, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Belize City is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belize City in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Belize City usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Belize City gets 52 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 Belize City. Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 27°C (80°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Belize City
| Belize City | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.