Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman or Cartagena?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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 Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, 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 Grand Cayman and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Cartagena $7.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfer service in Cartagena: $53
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $13
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $29
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $18
- Transfer from the airport to hotels in Boquilla: $12
- Transfer Private Vehicle Cartagena Airport (CTG) -City Cent: $27
- Transfer High-end - Kia Quoris: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $39Cartagena $10
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: $43
- 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
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Cartagena $22
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
- Stingraycity Adventure: $69
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
- Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
- Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
- Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
- Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
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
- 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
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- "Luxury Day in Tierra Bomba Exclusive Tour to the best Beach Club": $154
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 17. Transportation for private CITY TOURS CARTAGENA: $105
- 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $61
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Cartagena $9.39
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
-
Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
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: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Cartagena, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Grand Cayman during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Cartagena. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.