Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Cartagena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Glasgow or Cartagena?
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
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 Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGlasgow £144Cartagena £37
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is £37. 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 Glasgow and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Cartagena £21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Cartagena £42
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Cartagena £5.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $314
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
- Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $276
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $840
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $214
- Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $104
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Luxury Van: $145
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow Airport to City centre: $65
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 Glasgow or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Cartagena £7.72
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
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.Glasgow £22Cartagena £17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Uncover Historic In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Discover Glasgow's Imperial Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
- Private Historical Walking Tour: $16
- Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $18
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 dayGlasgow £15Cartagena £7.24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Secrets & Summer Serves at Glengoyne Distillery: $25
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $44
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $75
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $125
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $187
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $188
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $459
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 Glasgow and Cartagena, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Cartagena?
Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In July, Glasgow is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JulyGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Glasgow is much colder than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Glasgow gets 163 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 OctoberGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. In the winter, Glasgow is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 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 JanuaryGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Cartagena. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Glasgow is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 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 AprilGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.