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 city 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 $43, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $31. 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 city. 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 $17
    Cartagena $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $34
    Cartagena $34
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 $6.59
    Cartagena $4.81
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
    $0.70
  • Local Bus
    $0.02
  • Metro Ride
    $0.01
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.18
  • Taxi
    $0.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $8.00
  • Cartagena Airport Transfer (in and out) - Touristic Area Hotels - Sedan: $34
  • Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $14
  • Cartagena Arrival or Departure Transfer: Airport / Cruise Ship Terminal: $13
  • Cartagena Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Rafael Núñez (CTG) Airport: $17
  • Cartagena Private Transfer from El Laguito to Rafael Núñez (CTG) Airport: $17
  • Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by 2x4 Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minivan: $96
  • Hotel to Airport Transportation in Cartagena (transfer service): $14
  • One way private water transfer between Cartagena and the Islands (6 ppl max): $530
  • PRIVATE Transfer from the AIRPORT to the hotel.: $19
  • PRIVATE Transfer from the cruise terminal.: $13

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 $14
    Cartagena $6.30
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
    $0.13
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.08
  • Empandas
    $0.10
  • Espresso
    $0.05
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.08
  • Ice Cream
    $0.07
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.19
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.05
  • Sweets
    $0.03
  • Hot Dog
    $0.04
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.86
  • Cake and Coffee
    $2.77
  • Dinner
    $9.83
  • Powerade
    $0.60
  • Lunch
    $4.36
  • Dinner
    $6.34
  • Chocolate
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

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

  • Cartagena Cuisine Cooking Experience: $30
  • BIKE & BITE food tour: $52
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Street food tour with Julie: $64
  • Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City: $66
  • Street Food & Local Food Tour: $66
  • SkyKitchen 4 Course Cooking Class: $81
  • Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena: $92
  • Cartagena - Food Tour: $100
  • Caribbean Cuisine Cooking Class: $105
  • Shared Local Cooking Class and Lunch in Cartagena: $110
  • Bazurto Local Market Tour & Cooking Class: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $14
    Cartagena $14
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)
    $0.19
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.09
  • Tango Class
    $0.15
  • Bar entrance
    $3.02

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • Cartagena de Indias: India Catalina to Plaza Santo Domingo Audio Tour - VoiceMap: $5.34
  • Cartagena de Indias: Into the Walls of The City Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.34
  • Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. Cartagena Sensorial Tour: $6.99
  • Monasterio de la Popa, tickets de entrada: $7.00
  • Cartagena City Tour By Bicycle: $8.00
  • City Tour Cartagena With Bazurto Market: $8.00
  • Audio Guide - Walking Tour with Interactive (Cartagena de Indias): $10
  • Free walking tour Gethsemane old town & Forever colonial: $10
  • Cartagena Ryhtm & Sunset - Musical experience: $12
  • Virtual Cartagena LiteraTour through Nobel Garcia Marquez work: $15
  • City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion: $18
  • Chiva Party Bus Tour in Cartagena: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.55
    Cartagena $5.90
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
    $0.06
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.10
  • Cocktail
    $0.16
  • Alcohol
    $3.48

About these numbers

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


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 tropical climate with fairly warm 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. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina is usually 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cartagena stays 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April are around 18°C (65°F), and Cartagena is 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 tropical climate.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Cartagenain January. Temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Cartagena stays 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 tropical climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina is usually 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cartagena stays 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)


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Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Cartagena Travel Comparison

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