A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Cartagena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Brisbane or Cartagena?

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Brisbane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $156, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $50. 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 Brisbane and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brisbane $82
    Cartagena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brisbane $164
    Cartagena $50
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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.

Hotels in Brisbane


Hotels in Cartagena


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brisbane $18
    Cartagena $6.88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.93
  • Go Card
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $147
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $210
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $188
  • Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $111
  • Brisbane Airport to Brisbane Hotels Private Round-Trip Transfer: $71
  • Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $55
  • Brisbane Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Brisbane city: $42
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $52
  • Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $210
  • Brisbane hotels to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Airport Transfer with Go Card and SIM Card: $190

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Cartagena Tour Privado x8 horas con Transfers: $365
  • Cartagena to Tayrona Park (or vice versa) Private Transfer: $296
  • 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
  • Cartagena Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $243
  • Cartagena to or from Palomino Private Transfer: $188
  • Cartagena to or from Palomino Private Transfer: $177
  • Cartagena Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $174
  • From Isla Baru: One way private transfer to Cartagena: $159
  • From One way private transfer to Isla Baru: $159
  • San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Brisbane 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Brisbane $55
    Cartagena $16
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.30
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.99
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.28
  • Ice cream
    $3.64
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.30
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.62
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.64
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.32
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.27
  • Bread
    $1.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $131
  • Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $167
  • Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $590

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
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $39
  • Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
  • Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
  • Cooking class, Caribbean lunch at our place: $47
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Fenix Beach Island Dinner: $58
  • Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
  • Street food tour: $61
  • 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
  • Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $65
  • Getsemaní District at Night (with dinner included): $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brisbane $24
    Cartagena $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • Trevena Glen Farm Animal Experience: $17
  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $22
  • True Crime Tour: $22
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $23
  • Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour - Crime Tours Australia | Jack Sim: $23
  • Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $26
  • Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea: $32
  • Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise on the Brisbane River: $32
  • City Walking Tour 90 minutes: $32
  • Midday River Guided Sightseeing Cruise: $32
  • Brisbane River Cruise 12.30pm: $33

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
  • Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
  • Playa Blanca Private tour : $148
  • Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
  • Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $95
  • 17. Transportation for private CITY TOURS CARTAGENA: $105
  • 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $60
  • 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market: $60
  • 2-Hour Tour of Getsemani Color and Art: $60
  • 2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat: $21
  • 3 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $61
  • 4 Hour Volcan de Lodo Private Tour: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brisbane $51
    Cartagena $8.46
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.93
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.27
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.63
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
  • Stone & Wood Brewery Tour: $30
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $66
  • Sirromet Wine Tasting And Blending Workshop For 2: $82
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $100
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $103
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $106
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $125
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $133
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $133

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: $17
  • Pub Crawl Getsemaní: $18
  • Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $21
  • Cartagena, Colombia: Thursday Night Bar Crawl: $23
  • Cartagena, Colombia: Friday & Saturday Night Bar Crawl: $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
  • Get the Nightlife Vibe & Bar crawl: $52
  • Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $59
  • Pub Crawl: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Cartagena, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Cartagena?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Cartagena?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Cartagena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Cartagena. The summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

In January, Brisbane is generally cooler than Cartagenain July. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 25°C (77°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the summer, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain July. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Brisbane is cooler than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Brisbane gets 214 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. It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In April, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Cartagena in the Winter?

Both Cartagena and Brisbane during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

In the winter, Brisbane is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brisbane in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the winter, Brisbane often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain January. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Cartagena. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Brisbane is generally cooler than Cartagenain April. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 21°C (69°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Brisbane

Brisbane Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)