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

Should you visit Ljubljana or Cartagena?

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

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

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Ljubljana?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ljubljana is €86, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is €44. 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 Ljubljana and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ljubljana 54
    Cartagena 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ljubljana 108
    Cartagena 50
Compare Hotels in Ljubljana and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana


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: Ljubljana Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ljubljana 21
    Cartagena 6.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
  • E-bike experience between vineyards of Goriška Brda - transfer from Ljubljana: $148
  • Ljubljana Airport Private Transfer : $104
  • Ljubljana Private Airport Transfers : $65
  • Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Ljubljana-Zagreb. Private transfer.Price per car: $217
  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
  • Guided Truffle Hunting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $377
  • Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana: $527
  • Private Transfer from Celje to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $214
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $55

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 Ljubljana or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Ljubljana 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
    Ljubljana 17
    Cartagena 9.13
Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $54
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $65
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $65
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $107
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $129
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210

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.
    Ljubljana 14
    Cartagena 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.35
  • Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
  • Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $18
  • Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ljubljana 11
    Cartagena 8.56
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

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


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $94
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $193
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $218
  • Wine Tours Slovenia: $218
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263

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


Which is Bigger, Ljubljana or Cartagena?

Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana or Cartagena?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana or Cartagena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ljubljana as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

In the summer, Ljubljana is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ljubljana in July average around 22°C (72°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 Ljubljana this time of the year. In the summer, Ljubljana often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Ljubljana gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ljubljana usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Ljubljana gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Ljubljana or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Ljubljana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Ljubljana is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Ljubljana average around 13°C (56°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Ljubljana gets 116 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. It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. In October, Ljubljana usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Ljubljana gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ljubljana or Cartagena in the Winter?

Both Cartagena and Ljubljana during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. Ljubljana is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Ljubljana averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Ljubljana often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Ljubljana gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Ljubljana gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ljubljana or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ljubljana and Cartagena. Many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Ljubljana is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ljubljana in April average around 12°C (54°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. Ljubljana usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Ljubljana gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ljubljana usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Ljubljana gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Ljubljana

Ljubljana Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)