Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Canberra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Canberra or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Canberra or Cartagena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Canberra or Cartagena?
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCanberra $135Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, 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 Canberra and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCanberra $83Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCanberra $166Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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: Canberra Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Canberra $25Cartagena $7.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $13
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $29
- Transfer in Private Minivan from City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $18
- Transfer from the airport to hotels in Boquilla: $13
- Transfer Private Vehicle Cartagena Airport (CTG) -City Cent: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Canberra 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 dayCanberra $35Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$17
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.Canberra $17Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
- LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $39
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $40
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $40
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
- Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beach Buggy ATV Adventure Tour CARTAGENA: $135
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Private Tour & the best coffee of the world in Cartagena (Also for cruisers): $250
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $250
- Tour around the Rosario Islands 4 islands: $65
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCanberra $16Cartagena $9.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $158
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162
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 Canberra and Cartagena, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific 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 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Canberra Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Canberra or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Cartagena?
Canberra 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 Canberra or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Canberra during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Canberra is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.
Canberra usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCanberra 20°C (68°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Cartagena. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Canberra is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Canberra usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCanberra 17°C (63°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Cartagena. Many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In July, Canberra is generally much colder than Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Canberra usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCanberra 11°C (52°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Canberra is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
In October, Canberra usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCanberra 15°C (60°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Canberra
| Canberra | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.