Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Cartagena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or Cartagena?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, 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 Montevideo and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32Cartagena $7.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $159
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $155
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $136
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minibus: $129
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $128
- 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: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $13Cartagena $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
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: $45
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $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
- Street Food & Local Food Tour: $67
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City and Getsemani: $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21Cartagena $22
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $10
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Walking Tour of the City of Montevideo (Spanish and/or Portuguese): $26
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- City Sightseeing Tour: $32
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $33
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $33
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Accessible sightseeing tour of Cartagena: $165
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- 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
- "Luxury Day in Tierra Bomba Exclusive Tour to the best Beach Club": $154
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 17. Transportation for private CITY TOURS CARTAGENA: $105
- 2 and a half hour Chiva Disco and Rumba Tour: $14
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Cartagena $9.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
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 and Complimentary Drinks: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $20
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $20
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl: $70
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $73
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Cartagena, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo 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 Montevideo Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Cartagena?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Cartagena?
Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In January, Montevideo is generally cooler than Cartagenain July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 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 Montevideo this time of the year. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Montevideo usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Montevideo is much colder than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 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 Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Montevideo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the winter, Montevideo is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Montevideo is generally much colder than Cartagenain April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.