Which place is cheaper, Austin or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Austin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Austin?
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.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Austin $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Cartagena and Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Austin? 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 and Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Austin $47
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
- Austin International Airport (AUS) - Private Round trip transfer: $215
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin and Cartagena 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 dayCartagena $9.82Austin $35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Secret Food Tour: $98
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
- Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Austin $28
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Austin by Wacky Walks: $10
- Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
- Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Austin Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $17
- Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear: $20
- Downtown Austin Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Ghosts of Old Georgetown Walking Tour: $22
- Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
- Austin Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Austin $28
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $41
- Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cartagena is in South America and Austin is in North 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Cartagena Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Austin?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Austin, 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 Cartagena or Austin?
Austin 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 Cartagena or Austin in the Summer?
Both Austin and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cartagena is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Austin. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Austin in the Autumn?
Both Austin and Cartagena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cartagena is a little warmer than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Austin. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Austin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Austin. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Austin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Austin. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Cartagena is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the spring, Cartagena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.