Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Salvador?
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 Salvador or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Cartagena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Salvador or Cartagena?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Salvador Prices
Brazil PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $53Cartagena $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $53, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $69. 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 Salvador and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Cartagena $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Cartagena $68
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.99Cartagena $9.48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $45
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $145
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $17
- Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $79
- Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte, In/Out Transfers: $103
- Iberostar Waves Bahia, Transfers Go and Go: $103
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $170
- Praia do Forte Private Transfer From Salvador: $62
- Praia do Forte Private Transfer by 12-Seat Minivan: $230
- Praia do Forte to Salvador Airport SSA-Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Private Airport Transfer to Salvador: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $165
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $180
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $58
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $250
- Airport Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $12
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City: $15
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $33
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $101
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $82
- Arrival Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena by Sedan: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Salvador 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 daySalvador $22Cartagena $21
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- Eat and drink before you fly: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
- Enjoy before flying: Cooking class near Salvador airport: $50
- 4h Cooking Class in Salvador with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $65
- Cooking class in Salvador, fun hands on experience with caips: $65
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $68
- Traditional Moqueca Cooking Class: $75
- Savour Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $75
- Bahia Bites Salvador Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $79
- Bahia Bites Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $80
- Brazilian Cooking Class with Unlimited Caipirinhas: $89
- Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $105
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Show and Dinner: $124
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Food Tour History °Cafe Cartagena Tasting: $40
- PROFESSIONAL STREET FOOD TOUR With AUTHENTIC TASTINGS: $40
- Cartagena Bites & Stories: Local Street Food Tour: $40
- FLAVORS OF CARTAGENA STREET FOOD TOUR WITH MOUTHWATERING TASTINGS: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Cooking Class In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $43
- Cartagena street food tour: taste authentic flavors: $52
- Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City: $52
- Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience): $59
- Street Food Tour with a local Foodie in Cartagena: $60
- 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
- Street Food & Local Food Tour: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.65Cartagena $27
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Salvador Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.97
- City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $20
- Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $20
- Authentic Bars Tour in Santo Antônio Beyond the Carmo!: $20
- City Tour Salvador Historica: $20
- Beyond a Night Tour: An Autentic Bar Experience in Salvador: $22
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $24
- Historic City Tour in Salvador: $24
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $25
- Panoramic City Tour in Salvador: $25
- Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena Self Guided Walking Tour Walled City Audio and Quiz: $6.61
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $6.72
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Cartagena Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h15 and 21 reviews: $7.00
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez Shared Tour: the magical Cartagena: $10
- San Felipe Barajas Fortress & Getsemani Shared Tour: $10
- Walled Group Tour with Live Audio System: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets.: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part I: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.36Cartagena $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.36
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Drinks$2.72
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-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club): $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl with Salsa Class and Shots: $25
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $30
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $30
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $40
- Ultimate Party Combo Cartagena Sunset Boat Party & Pub Crawl: $57
- Pub Crawl: $70
- Wine in the Wild: A Nature-Inspired Wine Tasting near Cartagena: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Cartagena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cartagena than you might in Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Cartagena?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Cartagena?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salvador for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Cartagenain July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°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 Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Cartagenain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Salvador because of the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain October. Salvador gets 190 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Cartagenain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 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 OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Cartagena. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salvador this time of year. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Salvador is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Cartagenain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Cartagena. Many travelers come to Salvador for the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Cartagenain April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°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 Salvador this time of the year. In the spring, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain April. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Cartagenain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Salvador
| Salvador | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.