Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Bonn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bonn or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bonn 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: Bonn or Cartagena?
Bonn
Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (previously, West Germany) and it has a population of about 315,000 people. It sits on the Rhine River just twenty kilometers away from Cologne. Many people travel to Bonn for conferences and business, but Bonn also has a lot of cultural and historical sights to offer visitors. The city is also famous as the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven. There's a strong student culture in the city as well, and it actually shares many characteristics with Italian cities because of its many cafes and restaurants which line the streets. Outdoor beer gardens are popular and Bonn is a particular good summer destination when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the outdoor setting. The city's location also makes it a great base for day trips to Cologne, Dusseldorf, and the Rhine and Eifel regions.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBonn €154Cartagena €44
The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, 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 Bonn and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBonn €85Cartagena €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBonn €170Cartagena €50
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Bonn 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: Bonn Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bonn €23Cartagena €6.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn
Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
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
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $157
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $156
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $136
- Cartagena to or from Santa Marta Private Transfer: $125
- Full-Day in Isla del Encanto with Lunch and Transfer to the Pier: $114
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Bonn 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 dayBonn €49Cartagena €9.13
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.Bonn €34Cartagena €20
Tours and Activities in Bonn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.23
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.58
- Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.31
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
- Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
- 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beach Buggy ATV Adventure Tour CARTAGENA: $135
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Private Tour & the best coffee of the world in Cartagena (Also for cruisers): $250
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $250
- Tour around the Rosario Islands 4 islands: $65
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBonn €23Cartagena €8.56
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 Bonn and Cartagena, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bonn is in Europe 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bonn or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Cartagena?
Bonn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bonn or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Cartagena. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In the summer, Bonn is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBonn 19°C (66°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Bonn or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Bonn is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBonn 12°C (53°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bonn or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Bonn usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBonn 3°C (37°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bonn or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Bonn is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bonn usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBonn 10°C (50°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Bonn
| Bonn | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.