Which place is cheaper, Dallas or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Dallas?
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 Dallas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Dallas?
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.
Dallas
Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Dallas $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Dallas $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Dallas
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Dallas? 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 Dallas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Dallas $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in Marbella: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Cartagena: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Morros: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Getsemani: $7.97
- Transfer aeropuerto-centro: $8.19
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Cartagena City or Vice Versa: $10
- Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $10
- Cartagena:Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in the Bosque: $11
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Laguito: $11
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Castillogrande: $11
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Manga: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:
- Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
- Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
- Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
- Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $205
- Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Dallas to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
- Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
- Plano/Allen to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Dallas?
Prices for flights to both Dallas 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 $9.82Dallas $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
Typical Food Prices in Dallas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:
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Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)$55
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Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.
- West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
- Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
- Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Dallas $13
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
Tours and Activities in Dallas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:
- Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
- Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
- Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
- JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
- John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
- Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
- Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Dallas $12
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 Dallas
Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
- Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Dallas, we can see that Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dallas 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 Dallas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Dallas?
Dallas has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Dallas, 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 Dallas?
Dallas 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 Dallas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Dallas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.
Cartagena is around the same temperature as Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dallas. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Dallas 88°F (31°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Dallas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Dallas. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Cartagena is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cartagena in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. In the autumn, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than Dallas. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Dallas 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Dallas in the Winter?
Both Dallas and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during winter. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Dallas. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Dallas 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Dallas in the Spring?
Both Dallas and Cartagena during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months.
Cartagena is a little warmer than Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the spring, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Dallas 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Dallas and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Dallas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 88°F (31°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.