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

Should you visit Moscow or Cartagena?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Cartagena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Moscow or Cartagena?

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.

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, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Moscow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow 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 Moscow and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moscow $40
    Cartagena $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moscow $80
    Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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 Moscow


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: Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moscow $6.18
    Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

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

  • Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
  • Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
  • Transportation / Transfers: $27
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $23
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $23
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $13
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $29
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $20
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $20
  • Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $18
  • Transfer from the airport to hotels in Boquilla: $13
  • Transfer Private Vehicle Cartagena Airport (CTG) -City Cent: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Moscow 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
    Moscow $14
    Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $6.00
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.27
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

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.
    Moscow $16
    Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Theater Tickets
    $13
  • Kremlin Entry (2)
    $11

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
    Moscow $7.94
    Cartagena $9.21

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


Which is Bigger, Moscow or Cartagena?

Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow or Cartagena?

Moscow 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 Moscow or Cartagena in the Summer?

Both Cartagena and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

In the summer, Moscow is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Moscow 19°C (67°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Cartagena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Moscow 6°C (43°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Cartagena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Moscow can be very cold during winter. Moscow is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Moscow -8°C (17°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Moscow or Cartagena in the Spring?

Both Cartagena and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In April, Moscow usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Moscow 7°C (45°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Moscow

Moscow Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (17°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -5°C (23°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)