Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Chicago?
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 Chicago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Chicago?
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.
Chicago
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Chicago $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $288. 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 Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Chicago? 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 Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Chicago $37
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Departure Transfer: $57
- Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Business Car: $152
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $234
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $203
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Business Car: $152
- Chicago Airport Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV: $203
- Chicago Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Business Car: $152
- Chicago Airport Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury SUV: $203
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago -Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Chicago hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago 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 $9.82Chicago $49
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
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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Dinner for 3$118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $58
- Chicago's Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $63
- Chicago Small Group Food Tour: $69
- Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise: $72
- Chicago Pizza Tour: $75
- Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Self-Guided Tour: $75
- Chicago Bucktown-Wicker Park Pizza Crawl: $79
- Chicago West Loop Pizza Crawl: $79
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Nitti's Supper Club Dinner and Show: $80
- Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Chicago $47
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 Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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U-Boat Tour (2)$8.00
Tours and Activities in Chicago
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Discovering Chicago with Walking In App Audio Tour: $6.00
- Haunted Sites Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
- Vice, Crime and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chicago’s Ragtime & Jazz Eras: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Vice, Crime and Gangsters in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Must-Sees & Hidden Gems In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Chicago White Sox Baseball Game Ticket: $9.25
- Chicago White Sox Baseball Game Ticket at Guaranteed Rate Field: $9.32
- App Chicago self-guided tours with multilingual audioguides: $9.69
- Millennium Park Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Chicago $25
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 Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour: $30
- Walking tour to Chicago dive bars: $41
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Chicago?
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Chicago, 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 Chicago?
Chicago 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 Chicago in the Summer?
Both Chicago 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, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
In the summer, Cartagena is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cartagena in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In July, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Chicago. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Chicago in the Autumn?
Both Chicago 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 travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In the autumn, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Chicago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. Cartagena is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Chicago. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Chicago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Chicago. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Cartagena is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cartagena in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. 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 Chicago. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Cartagena usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 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.