Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril 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 Negril 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: Negril or Cartagena?
Negril
Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, 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 Negril and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Negril and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Negril 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: Negril Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Cartagena $7.64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
- Airport transfers, private tours and excursions in Jamaica : $80
- Azul Negril Resort Airport Transfer : $53
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- 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: $155
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $108
- Full-Day Beach at the Bora Bora Club with Transfer (Adults only): $105
- Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minivan: $93
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
- Cartagena International Airport - Private Transfer From or To Cartagena City: $91
- Cholon Island Tour with Transfer Service: $90
- Transfer High-end - Kia Quoris: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Negril 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 dayNegril $23Cartagena $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience with Optional Dinner in Montego Bay: $60
- The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $85
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
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
- 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
- Dinner cruise on Cartagena's bay with Sibarita Master: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Cartagena $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Cruise Ship Excursion in Montego Bay : $41
- From Negril/Palladium: Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe Tour: $49
- Private Glass Bottom Boat Sight Seeing Tour Jamaica: $58
- Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
- Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise: $79
- Negril guided day tour:7 mile beach and sunset at Ricks Cafe: $80
- Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise Negril Palladium Montego Bay: $85
- Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
- Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
- Negril Catamaran Adults Only Cruise, Snorkeling and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $110
- Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Private Tour & the best coffee of the world in Cartagena (Also for cruisers): $250
- "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-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $90
- 2-Hour Tour of Getsemani Color and Art: $63
- 2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat: $26
- 4-Hour Fishing Experience with Locals Near Cartagena: $233
- 4X1 ADVENTURE-ISLAS, CHOLON, PLAYA Y PLANCTON desde cartagen: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Cartagena $9.39
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!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Cartagena, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril 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 Negril Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril 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 Negril or Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Negril or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Cartagena. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Negril or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Negril is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
In January, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Negril
| Negril | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 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.