Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.64Saint Thomas $37
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
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $156
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $153
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $128
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $108
- Arrival Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena by MiniSuv: $106
- Full-Day Beach at the Bora Bora Club with Transfer (Adults only): $105
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $10Saint Thomas $54
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 Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $169
- Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $209
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $22Saint Thomas $60
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
- 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
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- "Luxury Day in Tierra Bomba Exclusive Tour to the best Beach Club": $154
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 17. Transportation for private CITY TOURS CARTAGENA: $105
- 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $61
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Unforgettable Charlotte Amalie: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the US Virgin Islands: $27
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry : $44
- Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon, St Thomas: $49
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.39Saint Thomas $27
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Saint Thomas?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cartagena or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Cartagena is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Cartagena is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Saint Thomas. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Cartagena is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cartagena is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.