Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kingston or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston 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: Kingston or Cartagena?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
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.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Kingston and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios Airbnb Home, Resorts: $133
- Airport Transfers from Kingston.: $70
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Negril: $79
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Airport transfers One Way to all hotels - private: $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $156
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $167
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $29
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $63
- Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $94
- TRANSFER CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA OR VICEVERSA IN SHARED CAR: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Kingston 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 dayKingston $44Cartagena $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
- Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
- Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Shared Walking Tour of the Colonial Old Town: $11
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $11
- CITYTOUR of Cartagena Monuments, Walls and Castles : $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena : $12
- Cartagena Sunset Walking Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Cartagena, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston 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 Kingston Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 29°C (83°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Kingston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Cartagena. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the autumn, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
Kingston is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Kingston usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Kingston is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kingston in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Cartagena. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Kingston usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
In April, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (80°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Kingston
| Kingston | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 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.