Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Cartagena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Cartagena?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Cartagena $7.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
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 Islamabad or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Cartagena $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.Islamabad $9.48Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
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 dayIslamabad $2.88Cartagena $9.21
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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Cartagena?
Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 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 JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 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. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Islamabad is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 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 AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.