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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Cartagena?

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

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 Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Bucharest?

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 Bucharest is $175, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $51. 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 Bucharest and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $61
    Cartagena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $122
    Cartagena $50
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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 Bucharest


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $25
    Cartagena $7.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest Airport Private Transfer by Van up to 8 Passengers : $41
  • Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $38
  • Airport Private Transfer - to or from any Bucharest hotel: $71
  • Airport Transfer with Mini-van for 8 passangers : $42
  • Airport Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Business Car: $51
  • Airport Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Car: $93
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov by Business Car: $133
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Business Car: $51
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Car: $93
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Van: $60
  • Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $34
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Business Car: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $24
  • 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $156
  • 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
  • 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $167
  • 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
  • 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $207
  • Airport Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $7.00
  • Airport Hotel Transfer: $24
  • Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
  • Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $22
  • Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
  • Airport Transfers Cartagena: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Bucharest 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
    Bucharest $98
    Cartagena $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner &tour at Museum of Communism after closing: $49
  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $51
  • 5 Premium Wine Tasting with Delightful Dinner,incl Sommelier: $71
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $79
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $79
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $82
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $83
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $92
  • Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $124
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $195
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $219

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
  • The best food tour of the old city: $38
  • Cooking Class In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $38
  • Street food tour Cartagena: $40
  • Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
  • Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $44
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $56
  • Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
  • Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
  • Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $14
    Cartagena $20

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

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

  • Bucharest Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.20
  • Bucharest 1989 Revolution Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.08
  • Bucharest 1989 Revolution Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $6.19
  • Entry ticket at the Museum of Communism: $8.37
  • Museum of Senses Entry Ticket: $8.84
  • Museum of Communism Ticket with Communist Coffee: $9.29
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $10
  • Life in Communist Quest Experience: $10
  • Ghost Hunt Quest Experience: $10
  • Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $11
  • Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $14
  • Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • Trendy Cartagena photo/ Video Tour Free: $0.03
  • Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Shared walking tour in the historic center: $8.00
  • Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $8.16
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.16
  • Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $8.16
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part I: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $10
  • Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $8.93
    Cartagena $8.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $23
  • Romanian Wine Tasting Experience at Corks: $31
  • Bachelor Party Custom Bar Crawl: $36
  • Bucharest Guided Pub Crawl: $37
  • Bar Crawling: $42
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $45
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience: $54
  • Pub Crawling in Style to the Most Fancy Bars, Drinks Incl.: $57
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $58
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter, Along with Expert Sommelier: $87

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: $22
  • Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
  • Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
  • Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $39
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $44
  • Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $63
  • Pub Crawl: $70


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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Cartagena?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Cartagena?

Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Cartagena in the Summer?

Both Cartagena and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Bucharest is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cartagena. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

In the autumn, Bucharest is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.

Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Cartagena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Cartagena. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Cartagena. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Bucharest is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the spring, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Bucharest

Bucharest Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)