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

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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cartagena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $25, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $46. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
    Cartagena $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $20
    Cartagena $52
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.87
    Cartagena $7.17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.33
  • Local Bus
    $0.01
  • Metro Ride
    $0.01
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.09
  • Taxi
    $0.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $40
  • 2-Days Buenos Aires Express - Accommodation + Roundtrip transfer + City tour : $324
  • Airport Transfer: $110
  • Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (to/from Ezeiza & Aeroparque): $90
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $43
  • Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $39
  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $43
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport AEP to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $32
  • Arrival Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport AEP to Buenos Aires City by Van: $54
  • Arrival Private Transfer Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $58
  • Arrival Private Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City Center by Sedan: $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
  • 10. ARACATACA Transfer from Cartagena-private: $340
  • 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $220
  • 16. Transfer to Valledupar from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $298
  • 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
  • 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $26
  • 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-hotel las islas or barú town: $122
  • 6.Transfer (Rafael Nuñez Airport- H.Manzanillo) Or vice versa: $35
  • 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $140
  • Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
  • Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $24
  • Airport Transfer Hotel: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.97
    Cartagena $9.40
Typical Food prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.06
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.04
  • Empandas
    $0.05
  • Espresso
    $0.02
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.04
  • Ice Cream
    $0.03
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.09
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.03
  • Sweets
    $0.02
  • Hot Dog
    $0.02
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.03
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.40
  • Cake and Coffee
    $1.30
  • Dinner
    $4.62
  • Powerade
    $0.28
  • Lunch
    $2.05
  • Dinner
    $2.98
  • Chocolate
    $7.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
  • 2hrs Private Argentine Cooking Class: $20
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $28
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $34
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Tango Porteño Show With Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40

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 In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $38
  • Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $41
  • Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
  • Sunset boat party, Caribbean dinner and tour of Gethsemane: $45
  • Flavors of Colombia - Cartagena Street Food Tour: $45
  • Bazurto Market Food Tour by Anthony Bourdain: $48
  • Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $48
  • 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $50
  • Sunset boat party, Caribbean dinner and Gethsemani tour: $52
  • Cooking as a Colombian: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.20
    Cartagena $20
Typical Entertainment prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.09
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.04
  • Tango Class
    $0.07
  • Bar entrance
    $1.42

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
  • A day with an Argentinean Football Fan (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $10

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
  • Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
  • Historic Free Tour Slavery and Gethsemane Heritage: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part I: $10
  • Emerald Museum and Factory Tour: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.44
    Cartagena $8.81
Typical Alcohol prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.03
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.05
  • Cocktail
    $0.07
  • Alcohol
    $1.63

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires with Tapas: $45
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $49
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $57
  • Wine Tasting Sessions: $60
  • Asado and Wine Tasting by Gaston: $65
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $66
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $74
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

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

  • Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $19
  • Pub Crawl: $70

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Cartagena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cartagena than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena?

Buenos Aires, Argentina is bigger, and its population is about 13.7 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the population of Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena?

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena in the Summer?

Both Cartagena and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Cartagenain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Cartagenain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Cartagenain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Cartagenain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 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.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Cartagena Travel Comparison

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