Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen or Cartagena?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Cartagena $7.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $118
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
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: $128
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $26
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $37
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Cartagena $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
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: $43
- 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
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Cartagena $22
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Totumo Mud Volcano Experience: $0.21
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.02
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.23
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.52
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Cartagena $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 Lessons and Free Shots: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Cartagena, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Cartagena?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Playa del Carmen gets 233 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cartagena. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°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. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.