Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John's or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's 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: Saint John's or Cartagena?
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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 daySaint John's $222Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, 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 Saint John's and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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: Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17Cartagena $7.64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
- Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
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 Saint John's or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Saint John's 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 daySaint John's $68Cartagena $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103Cartagena $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Cartagena $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 Saint John's and Cartagena, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Saint John's or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
Saint John's is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Cartagena. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint John's is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Cartagena. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 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 Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Saint John's is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.