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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Colombia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Colombia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Medellin Prices
Colombia PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMedellin $33Cartagena $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $33, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $62. 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 $5.26Cartagena $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMedellin $11Cartagena $60
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 $4.58Cartagena $8.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- 2-hour horseback ride + Private transfer + Photos & videos + Gift for the first 5 to book: $88
- Arrival Private Transfer from Medellin Airport to City by Sedan: $151
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $560
- Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $43
- Medellín Platinum Pack: Transfers + Hotel + Exclusive Tours: $250
- Medellín Private Transfer from Medellín City to Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport: $47
- Medellín Private Transfer from Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport to Medellín City: $47
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $73
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
- Medellín: 5-Day Luxury Tour with Private Transfers: $1,599
- Medellín: Comuna 13, Graffiti Workshop, Guide and Transfers: $206
- Medellín: Guatapé and Medellín City Door-to-Door Transfer: $105
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: $165
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $180
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $58
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $250
- Airport Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $7.00
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City: $12
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $33
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $101
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $82
- Arrival Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena by Sedan: $73
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 $18Cartagena $19
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$2.32
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: $14
- Medellin El Poblado Street Food Tour: $34
- Empanada Cooking Class with Local Chef - Comuna 13: $34
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $48
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- 4hr Cooking Class in Medellín with Traditional Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Cooking Class Preparing Colombian Empanadas: $56
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience: $60
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
- Community project cooking class and Medellin social transformation tour: $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- PROFESSIONAL STREET FOOD TOUR With AUTHENTIC TASTINGS: $39
- FLAVORS OF CARTAGENA STREET FOOD TOUR with MOUTHWATERING TASTINGS: $39
- FLAVORS OF STREET FOOD TOUR w/ MOUTHWATERING TASTINGS: $39
- Food Tour History °Cafe Cartagena Tasting: $40
- Cartagena Bites & Stories: Local Street Food Tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $52
- Street Food Tour with a local Foodie in Cartagena: $52
- Cartagena street food tour: taste authentic flavors: $52
- Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience): $59
- Cartagena Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Flavorful Tastings: $59
- 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
- Street Food & Local Food Tour: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Medellin $14Cartagena $24
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fly over Medellín Metrocable: Transformation Tour: $10
- Comuna 13 walking tour: $10
- Medellín Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $11
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $12
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and a Local Guide: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Local History Tour with Graffiti & Snack: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour With Local Snacks Included: $13
- Post-conflict Shared Tour (Paul) and Violence Medellin: $14
- Virtual Tour: Colonial Santa Fe de Antioquia: $14
- Full Comuna 13 Tour: Graffiti, History and the Famous Comuna 13 Ice Cream: $14
- Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with a Local & Artisan Ice Cream ⭐: $14
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $6.72
- Cartagena Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h15 and 21 reviews: $6.88
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part I: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets.: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $11
- Freetour Cartagena and Gethsemane, Caribbean Heritage and Tradition: $12
- Experience of CAFÉ in Cartagena: $12
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMedellin $7.98Cartagena $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Medellin Pub Crawl: $20
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $24
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Medellín: Pub crawl in Provenza, music, dancing, and shots: $30
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl with private transportation: $145
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $150
- Medellin Pub Crawl with transport Including Food and City Tour: $175
- Medellín: San Francisco Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch: $332
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-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club): $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $26
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $28
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $40
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena: $45
- Ultimate Party Combo Cartagena Sunset Boat Party & Pub Crawl: $57
- Wine in the Wild: A Nature-Inspired Wine Tasting near Cartagena: $150
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.