Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Recife?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Recife 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 Recife 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: Recife or Cartagena?
Recife
One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Recife Prices
Brazil PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRecife $209Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $209, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Recife and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRecife $84Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRecife $168Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Recife and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Recife 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: Recife Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Recife $8.13Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:
- Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $111
- Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Getsemani: $9.29
- Transfer from the Airport - Hotels in Marbella: $9.29
- Transfer airport - old city (walled city /center): $9.53
- Transfers from the Airport to Hotels in Cartagena: $10
- Airport Transfer to Cartagena Hotels: $10
- Transfer from Cartagena hotels to the airport: $10
- Airport transfer to any hotel in Manga: $10
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG): $11
- Private Transfer to Cartagena Airport (CTG): $11
- Private Airport Transfers in air conditioning buses: $12
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Laguito: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Recife 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 dayRecife $117Cartagena $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Recife $11Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Recife
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:
- Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Shared Walking Tour of the Colonial Old Town: $11
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $11
- CITYTOUR of Cartagena Monuments, Walls and Castles : $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena : $12
- Cartagena Sunset Walking Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRecife -Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and Cartagena, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife 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 Recife Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Recife or Cartagena?
Recife has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Recife 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 Recife or Cartagena?
Recife 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 Recife or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Cartagena. Many visitors come to Recife in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Recife is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Recife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Recife usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Recife usually receives more rain than Cartagenain July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Recife.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRecife 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Recife or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Recife as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Recife for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In the autumn, Recife is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Recife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagenain October. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cartagena. Recife receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Recife usually gets more rain in April than Cartagenain October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRecife 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Recife or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Recife because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Recife is generally cooler than Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Recife. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than Cartagenain January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Recife is March to August.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRecife 24°C (76°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Recife or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Recife during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Recife this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Recife is cooler than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Recife. In the spring, Recife often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain April. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Recife usually gets more rain in October than Cartagenain April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to December is the dry season in Recife.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRecife 25°C (77°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Recife
| Recife | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 338 mm (13.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (78°F) | 319 mm (12.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 378 mm (14.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 388 mm (15.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 57 mm (2.2 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.