Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Philadelphia?
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.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Philadelphia $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Philadelphia $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Philadelphia
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Philadelphia $28
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 Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $355
- Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Philadelphia?
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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 $9.82Philadelphia $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 Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour: $59
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $61
- Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
- Secret Food Tour: $84
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90
- Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Philadelphia $28
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
- Road to Revolution GPS Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
- The Road to Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Philadelphia: $8.99
- Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
- Philadelphia In App Walking Audio Tour: $9.00
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- National Liberty Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
- Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Fantastic Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Philadelphia $21
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 Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
- Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
- Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Philadelphia. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Cartagena is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Cartagena usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Philadelphia in the Autumn?
Both Philadelphia and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cartagena is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cartagena in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Cartagena. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Philadelphia in the Winter?
Both Philadelphia 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. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In January, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Philadelphia. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Philadelphia in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Philadelphia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Cartagena is much warmer than Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Philadelphia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 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 inches (75 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.