Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Ottawa $7.27
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $9.82Ottawa $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Ottawa $40
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
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.46
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Ottawa $18
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 Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Ottawa?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Ottawa. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Cartagena is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cartagena in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In October, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Cartagena. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Cartagena during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. Cartagena is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Ottawa. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the spring, Cartagena is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cartagena in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.