Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Cartagena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Christchurch or Cartagena?
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.
The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.
Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.
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 New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, 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 Christchurch and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch 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: Christchurch Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Cartagena $7.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $30
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $29
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Airport Hotel Transfer: $19
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Christchurch 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 dayChristchurch $31Cartagena $9.82
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $26
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $52
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $63
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $77
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $110
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $110
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Cartagena $9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $102
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $107
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $110
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Cartagena, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Cartagena is in South 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch 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 Christchurch Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Cartagena?
Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Christchurch is much colder than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Cartagenain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Cartagenain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Cartagena. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Cartagenain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Christchurch is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagenain April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Cartagenain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.