Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Cartagena $54
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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Cartagena $7.64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
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: $75
- Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (to/from Ezeiza & Aeroparque): $90
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
- Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $108
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $139
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $102
- Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $45
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $139
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Van: $139
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $29
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $40
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $26
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
- Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $87
- Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Cartagena - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Cartagena Airport to Cartagena (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $15
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 $3.25Cartagena $10
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
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.
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
- Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
- Dinner or Lunch on Grill Revire By Grupo Summa: $60
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
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $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
- Dinner on a boat at Cartagena Bay: $68
- Dinner cruise on Cartagena's bay with Sibarita Master: $70
- Street Food Tour of Cartagena: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Cartagena $22
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:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16
- Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
- Skip the Line: Boca Juniors Museum and Tour: THE VIP BOMBONERA: $22
- Half Day Walking Tour Discovering Palermo Soho & Graffiti in Buenos Aires: $25
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.95
- 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: 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
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Historic Free Tour Slavery and Gethsemane Heritage: $10
- Shared Walking Tour through the Historic Center of Cartagena: $10
- San Diego & Gabriel García Marquez Walking Tour: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Cartagena $9.39
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:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
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 Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
- Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
- Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $147
- Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $169
- Customizable Private City Tour of Buenos Aires + Wine Tasting: $229
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 and Complimentary Drinks: $18
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $20
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $45
- Pub Crawl: $70
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $73
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.