A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Cartagena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Cartagena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem or Cartagena?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, 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 Jerusalem and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Cartagena $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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.

Hotels in Jerusalem


Hotels in Cartagena


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.17
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160

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 Jerusalem or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Jerusalem 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 day
    Jerusalem $32
    Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $2.69
  • Watermelon
    $4.04
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.69
  • Bagels
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $34

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Cartagena $9.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.84

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 Jerusalem and Cartagena, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Cartagena?

Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Cartagena?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Cartagena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Cartagena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Cartagena. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Cartagena. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.

In October, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Cartagena in the Winter?

Both Cartagena and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.

Jerusalem is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Cartagena in the Spring?

Both Cartagena and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Jerusalem is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)