Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or La Paz?
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 La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.64La Paz $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Cartagena: $7.81
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Getsemani: $7.81
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Morros: $7.81
- Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in Marbella: $7.81
- Transfer aeropuerto-centro: $8.02
- Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $10
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Cartagena City or Vice Versa: $10
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Manga: $11
- 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
- Bilingual Private Transfer In Cartagena : $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $10La Paz $38
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: $43
- 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
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $22La Paz $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
- Totumo Mud Volcano Experience: $0.21
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.02
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.23
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.52
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
- Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
- Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
- Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
- From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
- holy spirit island tour: $116
- Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
- Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.39La Paz $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: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or La Paz?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Cartagena is around the same temperature as La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during summer. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cartagena usually receives more rain than La Paz. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as La Paz. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Cartagena is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cartagena in October average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the autumn, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than La Paz. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or La Paz in the Winter?
Both La Paz 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, the winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Cartagena is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in La Paz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than La Paz during winter. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than La Paz. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz 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. Also, the beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
Cartagena is a little warmer than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the spring, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets more rain in April than La Paz. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Cartagena
| Cartagena | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.