Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Seattle?
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 Seattle can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Seattle?
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.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Seattle $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Seattle? 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 Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.49Seattle $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in Marbella: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Cartagena: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Morros: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Getsemani: $7.97
- Transfer aeropuerto-centro: $8.19
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Cartagena City or Vice Versa: $10
- Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $10
- 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
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Manga: $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury Van: $115
- Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury Van: $115
- From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $175
- From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
- From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145
- One-Way Transfer: Cruise Piers to Airport : $28
- One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Hotels to Seattle Cruise Terminals : $33
- Private Arrival Transfer In Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) : $40
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Seattle Airport To/From Seattle): $58
- Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle center or port by Minibus or SUV: $195
- Private Transfer from Seattle (SEA) Airport to Seattle City: $133
- Private Transfer from Seattle hotels to Smith Cove Terminal : $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $9.82Seattle $51
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 Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
- Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
- International District Food Tour: $69
- Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
- Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
- Small Group Cooking Class: $138
- Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Seattle $16
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.35
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.50
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.42
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.58
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Space Needle Park Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Seattle by Crazy Dash: $10
- Downtown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
- Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Seattle Mariners Baseball Game Ticket at T Mobile Park: $15
- Seattle bakery walk tour: $19
- National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $22
- Terrors and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour: $26
- MoPOP Entry Ticket: $27
- Woodland Park Zoo Day Admission Ticket: $28
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.21Seattle $16
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 Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
- Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
- Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
- Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Seattle?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Seattle, 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 Seattle?
Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cartagena is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cartagena in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Seattle. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Seattle in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Seattle. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In the autumn, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Seattle in the Winter?
Both Seattle 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, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Cartagena is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Seattle. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Cartagena or Seattle in the Spring?
Both Seattle 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 spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cartagena is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cartagena in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the spring, Cartagena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Seattle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 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.