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

Should you visit Munich or Cartagena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Cartagena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Munich or Cartagena?

Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Munich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €148, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is €44. 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 Munich and Cartagena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Munich 89
    Cartagena 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Munich 178
    Cartagena 50
Compare Hotels in Munich and Cartagena

Looking for a hotel in Munich 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 Munich


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: Munich Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich 19
    Cartagena 6.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    2.30
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    5.20
  • City transport day ticket
    11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • First Class Transfer in Munich Airport MUC: $197
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Munich Airport MUC to Munich in Business Car: $161
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $65
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Airport to Munich City by Sedan: $93
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Business Car: $161
  • Departure Private Transfer: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Car: $250
  • From Munich Airport to Nuremberg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $193
  • From Munich Airport to Salzburg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $208
  • Mercedes Benz V-Class Airport Transfers: $159
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Arber Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $88
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Erding Thermal - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
  • 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
  • 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
  • 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $29
  • 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
  • 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
  • Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
  • Airport Hotel Transfer: $19
  • Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
  • Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
  • Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Cartagena?

Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Munich 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
    Munich 27
    Cartagena 9.13
Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    5.00
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $80
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $100
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $137
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $210
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

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.
    Munich 29
    Cartagena 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    4.00
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    9.00
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    14
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    24

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.22
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.77
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.31
  • Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.38
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.38
  • From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.38
  • Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
  • City Center Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Emeralds Tour: $0.03
  • Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.35
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.50
  • Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.42
  • Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Munich 37
    Cartagena 8.56
Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $29
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $38
  • Interactive Wine Tasting Experience @ Max & Moritz: $38
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $96
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $290
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404

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


Which is Bigger, Munich or Cartagena?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich or Cartagena?

Munich 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 Munich or Cartagena in the Summer?

Both Cartagena and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Munich is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 20°C (68°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Munich 20°C (68°F) 
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Munich or Cartagena in the Autumn?

Both Cartagena and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.

Munich is much colder than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.

Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Munich usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Munich 11°C (52°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Munich or Cartagena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Cartagena. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Munich usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Munich -1°C (31°F) 
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Munich or Cartagena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Cartagena. Many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

In April, Munich is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the spring, Munich often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Munich 11°C (53°F) 
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Cartagena and Munich

Munich Cartagena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)