Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Cartagena?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, 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 Cairo and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.27Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.96Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
- Cairo Airport Transfer to Hotel: $20
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $27
- Private airport Transfer: $15
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Transfer from Anywhere in Cairo to Cairo International Airport: $25
- Transfers From Cairo Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from/to Cairo International Airport: $26
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $10
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $10
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $35
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
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Airport Hotel Transfer: $19
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Cairo 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 dayCairo $4.70Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Cairo Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Giza Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $13
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- 2-Hour Nile River Night Dinner Cruise from Cairo: $16
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $18
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- Dinner Cruise Cairo With Belly Dancer Show in The Nile River: $20
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, ATV, shopping Tour and Dinner cruise: $20
- Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise private tour from Cairo Giza hotels: $22
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
- Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $44
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cooking Class: Street food & Mojito making: $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
- 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.69Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.43
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.28
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket : $4.56
- The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.07
- Wonder Tour To Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure Pyramids and Great Sphinx : $5.56
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Cairo Museum of Islamic Arts Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Baron Palace Skip the line Access Entry Tickets: $7.00
- Museum of Islamic Art Entry Ticket : $7.23
- 5 Hour Private Tour Shopping in Cairo by Car and Guide: $8.00
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.35
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.50
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.42
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.58
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.16Cartagena $9.21
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: $19
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Cartagena?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cairo or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Cairo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
In October, Cairo is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Cairo usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
Cairo is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Cartagena. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Cartagena. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Cairo is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Cairo
| Cairo | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.