Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Medellin?
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 Medellin or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Medellin or Cartagena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Medellin or Cartagena?
Medellin
In addition to big improvements in public safety, Medellin has witnessed a huge surge in urban development projects, including Colombia's first metro system and cable cars to service poorer neighborhoods located high on the mountain sides. There is an abundance of parks, libraries, museums and public spaces with many cultural events taking place. Many travelers also enjoy visiting the surrounding villages, where life is simple and landscapes and nature reserves are wonderful. Medellin has now become one of the "it" cities in the world, with tons of tourists visiting and foreigners settling and retiring here. Beautiful mountains, warm weather, friendly locals, and a vibrant culture are just a few of the reasons why you should visit Medellin.
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, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Colombia.
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Medellin Prices
Colombia PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMedellin $29Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $29, 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 Medellin and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMedellin $4.64Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMedellin $9.28Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Medellin and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Medellin 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: Medellin Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Medellin $4.05Cartagena $7.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Airport Transfers : $120
- Airport Transfers Medellín (per way): $50
- Arrival Private Transfer from Medellin Airport to City by Sedan: $137
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $132
- Arrival Transfer from Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin by Minibus: $156
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $50
- Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $35
- Medellín Private Transfer from Medellín City to Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport: $48
- Medellín Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport : $30
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
- Medellín: Guatapé and Medellín City Door-to-Door Transfer: $93
- Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer: $33
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
- 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: $93
- TRANSFER CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA OR VICEVERSA IN SHARED CAR: $64
- TRANSFER FROM CARTAGENA TO BARRANQUILLA OR VICE VERSA SHARED CAR: $36
- Cartagena : Private transfer Airport Hotel (Round trip or One Way): $25
- Cartagena Airport(CTG) to Cartagena - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
- Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $16
- Cartagena Private Transfer from El Laguito to Rafael Núñez (CTG) Airport: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Medellin or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Medellin 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 dayMedellin $16Cartagena $17
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
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Lunch$2.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
- Medellín: Comuna 13 True Story and Street Food Tour: $11
- Medellín: Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13: $19
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $30
- A night in Medellín: food tour and bars in El Poblado!: $32
- Laureles Food Tour: $35
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $38
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Medellín: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings (El Poblado): $55
- Private Night City Tour on Electric Bicycle + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Medellin Night E-Bike Tour with Gourmet Dinner Included: $60
- Community project cooking class and Medellin social transformation tour: $64
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: $22
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- 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
- 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
- Gourmet Cooking Class in Cartagena – by Lunático Experience: $65
- Fenix Beach Island Dinner: $65
- White night boat tour with dinner and open bar: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Medellin $12Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- History and Street Art Tour in Comuna 13: $8.00
- Shared Tour Poblado, Provenza & Manila Districts: $9.60
- Shared Tour Medellin's Violence & Post-conflict after Pablo: $9.60
- Shared Tour of Medellin's Historic & Cultural Downtown: $9.60
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and Local Guide: $11
- Medellin Historic Walking Tour: $11
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $11
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $11
- Comuna 13: Graffiti tour & Street Food/drink with telesferic: $11
- Medellín Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $11
- Medellín: Comuna 13 and Graffiti Walking Tour with Snacks: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Spray Painting and ice cream : $12
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
- Shared Cartagena Old City Tour with Wireless Audio System: $9.60
- Shared Getsemani Art District Tour with Wireless Live System: $9.60
- Shared Old Cartagena & Getsemani Tour with Wireless System: $9.60
- Tour Compartido de Gabriel García Marquez en Cartagena: $9.60
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $9.60
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $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: 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMedellin $7.04Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Medellin Pub Crawl in El Poblado with Drinks Games and VIP: $12
- Guided Medellin Pub Crawl: $18
- The Medellin Pub Crawl: $20
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Live the Nightlife Rooftop Pub Crawl : $49
- Medellín Nightlife: Rooftop Bar Crawl: $85
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $130
- Medellin LGBTQ Rooftop Bar Crawl: $150
- Medellín Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks: $175
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl Party with Local Host: $5.40
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $19
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $20
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $23
- Saturday 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 Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
- Pub Crawl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Medellin and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Medellin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Medellin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Medellin 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 Cartagena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cartagena than you might in Medellin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Medellin Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Medellin or Cartagena?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Medellin 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.
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.