Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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: Istanbul or Cartagena?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, 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 Istanbul and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
- Private Airport Transfer in Istanbul: $109
- Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $55
- 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $75
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $40
- Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
- Arrival Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport to Istambul, Levent or Taksim by Bus: $65
- Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Van: $70
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
- CARPEDIEM : SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT LUXURY TRANSFER (Arrival/Departure): $45
- Daily Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car & Transfer from Istanbul: $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in Marbella: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Cartagena: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Morros: $7.97
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Getsemani: $7.97
- Transfer aeropuerto-centro: $8.19
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Cartagena City or Vice Versa: $10
- Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $10
- Cartagena:Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in the Bosque: $11
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Laguito: $11
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Castillogrande: $11
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Manga: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All inclusive: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
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.Istanbul $79Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $2.15
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.38
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.38
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.09
- Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $8.12
- Guided Boat Tour on the Bosphorus: $8.44
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.69
- Self Guided Virtual Tour of Hagia Sophia The Highlights: $9.82
- Hagia Sophia & Hippdrome Tour with Local Expert: $11
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 dayIstanbul $15Cartagena $9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $849
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 Istanbul and Cartagena, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cartagena?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Cartagena?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Cartagena. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Istanbul is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 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 JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Cartagena. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In October, Istanbul is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cartagena. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Istanbul is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the spring, Istanbul is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 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 AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.