Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrisbane $133Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, 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 Brisbane and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $82Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $164Cartagena $54
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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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: $145
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $208
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $186
- Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $112
- Brisbane Airport to Brisbane Hotels Private Round-Trip Transfer: $70
- Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $56
- Brisbane Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Brisbane city: $96
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $52
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $208
- Brisbane To Brisbane Airport or Cruise Transfers: $99
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 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
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Food Meals for one dayBrisbane $31Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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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!: $165
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.Brisbane $24Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $22
- True Crime Tour: $22
- Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $23
- Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $23
- South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour: $23
- Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
- Ultimate Urban Adventure | Clue-Guided Experience: $28
- Themed Adventure Game: $30
- Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour - The Original: $32
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 dayBrisbane $51Cartagena $9.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134
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 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBrisbane 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBrisbane 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBrisbane 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBrisbane 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) |
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.