Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Rabat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rabat 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 Rabat 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: Rabat or Cartagena?
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
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 Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRabat $43Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $43, 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 Rabat and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRabat $27Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRabat $54Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Rabat 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: Rabat Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rabat $2.10Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $110
- From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $154
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $88
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $110
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
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
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $157
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $156
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $136
- Cartagena to or from Santa Marta Private Transfer: $125
- 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: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Rabat 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 dayRabat $12Cartagena $9.82
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rabat $2.83Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRabat -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 comparing the travel costs between Rabat and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Rabat is in Africa and Cartagena is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rabat Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rabat or Cartagena?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Rabat 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 Rabat 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 Rabat or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Cartagena. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Rabat usually gets less rain in July than Cartagena. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 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 Rabat this time of the year. In the summer, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Rabat is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRabat 23°C (73°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat 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. In October, Rabat usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 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 Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Rabat is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rabat in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRabat 20°C (67°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Rabat during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Rabat usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 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. In the winter, Rabat often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
In January, Rabat is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 13°C (56°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRabat 13°C (56°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Rabat or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rabat and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Rabat usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
Rabat is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRabat 16°C (60°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Rabat
| Rabat | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (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.