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 $37Cartagena $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $37, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $69. 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 $5.88Cartagena $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMedellin $12Cartagena $68
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 $5.12Cartagena $9.45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$2.04
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
- AIRPORT TRANSFER MEDELLIN JMC (MDE) Airport to El Peñol & Guatapé: $229
- Airport transfer Medellin - Mercedes Benz Chauffeur Service: $119
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $167
- Guatapé Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $59
- 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 Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport to Medellín City: $47
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $82
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
- Medellín: 5-Day Luxury Tour with Private Transfers: $1,599
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
- 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: $12
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City: $15
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $101
- Cartagena Private Transfer from Rafael Núñez (CTG) Airport to Manzanillo del Mar: $52
- Cartagena Private Transfer to Santa Marta or Minca or Tayrona: $182
- Cartagena to Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) - Departure Private Transfer: $15
- Cartagena to or from Minca Private Transfer: $176
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 $21Cartagena $21
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$2.59
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
- Empanada Cooking Class with Local Chef - Comuna 13: $34
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $48
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- Medellín Home Cooking Class, Fruit Tasting & Colombian Snack: $55
- 4hr Cooking Class in Medellín with Traditional Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Colombia Inspired Food Tour: $59
- Empanadas, Arepas & Patacones Cooking Class: $60
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Food Tour History °Cafe Cartagena Tasting: $40
- FLAVORS OF CARTAGENA STREET FOOD TOUR WITH MOUTHWATERING TASTINGS: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City: $52
- Sunset and Bright Plankton with Dinner at Playa Tranquila Baru: $53
- Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience): $59
- Street Food Tour with a local Foodie in Cartagena: $60
- Street Food & Local Food Tour: $67
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $70
- Full City Tour of Cartagena with Lunch or Dinner Included: $78
- Private Island Dinner with Bonfire, DJ and Cartagena Skyline: $84
- Street food tour at the bazurto local market: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Medellin $16Cartagena $27
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
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $12
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $12
- Safari Tour in Botanical Garden: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and a Local Guide: $13
- Guided Electric Bicycle Tour of Guatapé: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Local History Tour with Graffiti & Snack: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour With Local Snacks Included: $13
- Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with a Local & Artisan Ice Cream ⭐: $14
- Full Comuna 13 Tour: Graffiti, History and the Famous Comuna 13 Ice Cream: $14
- Medellin Historic Walking Tour: $15
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Sembradores De Amor Sightseeing Tour: $15
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $6.72
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Cartagena Self Guided Walking Tour Walled City Audio and Quiz: $8.20
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez Shared Tour: the magical Cartagena: $10
- 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 of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena: $13
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle Shared Walking Tour: $13
- Walking Tour in Walled City and Getsemani Cartagena: $16
- Emerald Museum & Jewelry Workshop: Behind the Scenes Tour: $18
- Cartagena Photo Experience, Mini Photoshoot: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMedellin $8.92Cartagena $12
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
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $25
- Medellín: Pub crawl in Provenza, music, dancing, and shots: $30
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $150
- 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:
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $30
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $30
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $40
- Ultimate Party Combo Cartagena Sunset Boat Party & Pub Crawl: $57
- Pub Crawl: $70
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena: $85
- 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.