Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Dubrovnik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubrovnik or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Cartagena?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik $103Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $103, 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 Dubrovnik and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubrovnik $53Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik $106Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik $13Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $251
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $262
- Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $59
- Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $54
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $205
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $23
- Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
- Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $36
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $182
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 Dubrovnik or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Dubrovnik 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 dayDubrovnik $35Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $81
- Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $82
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
- Old Town Food Tour: $144
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $166
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $199
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $203
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $210
- Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $215
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.Dubrovnik $20Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$14
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$56
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$48
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.46
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.99
- Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.12
- Shell Museum Private Guided Tour: $7.68
- Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.61
- Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $8.99
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubrovnik $15Cartagena $9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
- Interactive Wine Tour: $81
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
- Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town : $89
- 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $93
- E-Bike Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small Group): $97
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 Dubrovnik and Cartagena, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Cartagena?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Cartagena. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In July, Dubrovnik is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 25°C (77°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Dubrovnik usually gets less rain in July than Cartagena. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubrovnik 25°C (77°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dubrovnik is cooler than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. In October, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubrovnik 18°C (64°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Dubrovnik during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the winter, Dubrovnik is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubrovnik 9°C (48°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Cartagena. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubrovnik 14°C (57°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Dubrovnik
| Dubrovnik | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.