Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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: Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena?
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur 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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.45Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.16
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.68
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Short Taxi Ride$3.16
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.69
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $175
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Private Transfer: KLIA/ KLIA 2 to or from Hotel (6 seater): $48
- Airport Transfer Hotel - KL Airport (KLIA / KLIA 2 || Private): $40
- Airport Transfer from/to KLIA /KLIA 2: $25
- Airport to Hotel Drop Off Transfer (Kuala Lumpur): $50
- Airport transfer : $40
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $115
- Arrival Transfer - Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highlands: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- 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 City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $20
- 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: $13
- Transfer Private Vehicle Cartagena Airport (CTG) -City Cent: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Kuala Lumpur 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 dayKuala Lumpur $15Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$8.44
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.04
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $29
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Malaysia Cooking Classes: $60
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Eat Like a Local: Kuala Lumpur Hawker Center and Street Food Tour by Night: $62
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $63
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $64
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.Kuala Lumpur $13Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$9.49
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.05
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $3.95
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $8.12
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.87
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Kuala Lumpur's Cultural Highlights and Landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $13
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
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 dayKuala Lumpur $6.25Cartagena $9.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.49
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 Kuala Lumpur and Cartagena, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 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. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 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.