Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cartagena or Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Ushuaia?
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.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $45Ushuaia $11
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $45, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $26Ushuaia $5.34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $52Ushuaia $11
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Ushuaia
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.14Ushuaia -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Cartagena Tour Privado x8 horas con Transfers: $398
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $265
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- Cartagena to Tayrona Park (or vice versa) Private Transfer: $237
- Cartagena Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $190
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $150
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Private Transfer from Cartagena to Barranquilla: $136
- Cartagena to Barranquilla Transfer Service: $136
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Ushuaia): $27
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia Port : $26
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $29
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Port to Ushuaia Airport (USH): $26
- Round Trip Transfer from the Airport to Ushuaia Hotels: $11
- Round trip transfer to Cerro Castor: $23
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Sky Resort Roundtrip Transfer: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Ushuaia?
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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
-
Food Meals for one dayCartagena $9.36Ushuaia $2.07
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 In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $38
- 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: $42
- Street Food Cooking Class, Mojito making & Fruit tasting: $50
- Cooking class, Caribbean lunch at our place: $51
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
-
Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Martial Glacier at Night with Dinner Included: $118
- Tierra del Fuego National Park PM - with Dinner included: $210
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $290
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $20Ushuaia $12
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Experience in Fenix Beach 1H: $150
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Playa Blanca Private tour : $148
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Rosario Islands Full Day Tour: $156
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $95
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- 1 Hour Efoil FliteScooter Experience in Fenix Beach Cartagena : $120
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- Panoramic City Train Tour: $10
- Guided Tour of the City of Ushuaia: $23
- CITY TOUR + MARTIAL GLACIER RESERVE VISIT: $26
- Ushuaia City Tour: $34
- Exploring Double Decker Bus Tour: $35
- Ushuaia Walking Tour with Tastings of Tierra del Fuego: $35
- Double-Decker Sightseeing Tour: $36
- Ushuaia City Half-Day Tour: $40
- City Tour of Ushuaia: $45
- Beagle Channel, Seal Island & Bridges Islands Tour: $55
- From Beagle Channel Catamaran Tour: $60
- Tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia: $62
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $8.78Ushuaia -
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 Getsemaní: $18
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $19
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $21
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $23
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $23
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $44
- Get the Nightlife Vibe & Bar crawl: $57
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $64
- Pub Crawl: $70
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
-
Wine$0.05
-
Beer$0.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Ushuaia, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Cartagena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cartagena than you might in Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cartagena Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Ushuaia?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia in the Summer?
Both Ushuaia 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.
In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain January. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain January. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 169 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Ushuaiain January. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCartagena 29°C (84°F)Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Ushuaia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Ushuaia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena is much warmer than Ushuaia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in April.
Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 74 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 Ushuaiain April. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCartagena 27°C (81°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Ushuaia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Ushuaia. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ushuaia. In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 2°C (36°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain July. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Ushuaiain July. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCartagena 27°C (81°F)Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Ushuaia in the Spring?
Both Ushuaia 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 April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain October. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Ushuaiain October. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCartagena 28°C (82°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Ushuaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.