Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Cartagena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Cartagena?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $48. 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 Chiang Mai and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Cartagena? 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
-
Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $83
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $90
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Four Seasons Hotel: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $77
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $21
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $10Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
-
Casual Breakfast$1.09
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
-
Mangoes$0.82
-
Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$35
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
-
Kratong Lessons$2.72
-
Pedicure$4.08
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.73
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Cartagena $9.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
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
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Chiang Mai is in Asia and Cartagena is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Cartagena?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Cartagena, 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 Chiang Mai or Cartagena?
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 Chiang Mai or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Cartagena. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Cartagena. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai is cooler than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°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.