Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $55Cartagena $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $55, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $64. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $39Cartagena $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $78Cartagena $64
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.
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: Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.04Cartagena $8.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $288
- Airport Transfer (EZEIZA o AEP) + Private Buenos Aires City Tour: $219
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $120
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $113
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $130
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $148
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $68
- Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $120
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $111
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $105
- Buenos Aires : Aljibe, Tango and folklore show with Transfers.: $82
- Buenos Aires : The house of D10S With Transfers.: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $165
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $180
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $58
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $250
- Airport Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $12
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City: $15
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $101
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $82
- Arrival Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena by Sedan: $73
- Cartagena : Private transfer Airport Hotel (Round trip or One Way): $40
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
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Food Meals for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.36Cartagena $20
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.
- Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $33
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $44
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
- Early Tango Dinner Show in Buenos Aires: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Food Tour History °Cafe Cartagena Tasting: $40
- Cartagena Bites & Stories: Local Street Food Tour: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $40
- FLAVORS OF CARTAGENA STREET FOOD TOUR with MOUTHWATERING TASTINGS: $45
- FLAVORS OF CARTAGENA STREET FOOD TOUR WITH MOUTHWATERING TASTINGS: $45
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $50
- Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City: $52
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience): $59
- Cartagena Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Flavorful Tastings: $59
- Sunset and Bright Plankton with Dinner at Playa Tranquila Baru: $64
- Cartagena Street Food Tour: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $29Cartagena $25
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Buenos Aires with Audio Guide: $5.72
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.79
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
- Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.00
- Private Shopping Tour with Matu Salcedo: $8.00
- Two to Tango: A San Telmo Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
- Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $6.72
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $6.72
- Cartagena Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h15 and 21 reviews: $6.74
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Cartagena Self Guided Walking Tour Walled City Audio and Quiz: $7.99
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez Shared Tour: the magical Cartagena: $10
- San Felipe Barajas Fortress & Getsemani Shared Tour: $10
- Walled Group Tour with Live Audio System: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets.: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.98Cartagena $11
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $47
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $56
- Argentine Wine Tasting with Lunch or Charcuterie Pairings: $59
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
- Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
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 with Salsa Class and Shots: $25
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $30
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $40
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cartagena?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos 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.