Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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 $48Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Phoenix $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $157
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $156
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $136
- Cartagena to or from Santa Marta Private Transfer: $125
- Full-Day in Isla del Encanto with Lunch and Transfer to the Pier: $114
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van: $140
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $109
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $9.82Phoenix $52
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 Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Phoenix $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 Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Surprise by Operation City Quest: $10
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $19
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Treasure Island Escape Room Experience in Avondale : $24
- Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
- Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona Admission Ticket: $26
- RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Phoenix $17
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 Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?
Both Phoenix and Cartagena during the summer 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 visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Cartagena is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cartagena in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Phoenix in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Cartagena is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Phoenix in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Phoenix. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cartagena is much warmer than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Phoenix. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Phoenix. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Phoenix in the Spring?
Both Phoenix and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In the spring, Cartagena is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cartagena in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.