Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Sarajevo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sarajevo or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarajevo and Cartagena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Sarajevo or Cartagena?
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarajevo $71Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $71, 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 Sarajevo and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarajevo $27Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarajevo $54Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo 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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarajevo $7.09Cartagena $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $143
- Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $176
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bjelašnica: $98
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $273
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $13
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $29
- Transfer in Private Minivan from City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $18
- Transfer from the airport to hotels in Boquilla: $13
- Transfer Private Vehicle Cartagena Airport (CTG) -City Cent: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Sarajevo 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 daySarajevo $31Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
- The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour : $144
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.Sarajevo $12Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.71
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Svrzo House Entrance Ticket: $3.29
- Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
- SARAJEVO CITY TOUR: $12
- Konjic City Tour: $12
- 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
- Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $14
- Majestic and Relaxed tour of Sarajevo, Baščaršija: $16
- Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
- HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
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 daySarajevo $7.41Cartagena $9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $71
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Cartagena, we can see that Sarajevo is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sarajevo is in Europe 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 Sarajevo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo or Cartagena?
Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Sarajevo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Sarajevo is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo usually gets less rain in July than Cartagena. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySarajevo 26°C (78°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Cartagena. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Sarajevo is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarajevo in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cartagena. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarajevo 17°C (62°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In January, Sarajevo is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 6°C (42°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the winter, Sarajevo often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarajevo 6°C (42°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sarajevo or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Sarajevo is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarajevo 14°C (58°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Sarajevo
| Sarajevo | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.