Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Stockholm?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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: Stockholm or Cartagena?
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.
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 Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayStockholm $169Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $169, 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 Stockholm and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personStockholm $96Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomStockholm $192Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Stockholm 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: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Stockholm $20Cartagena $7.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:
- Stockholm to Stockholm Airport (ARN) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Airport Limousine Transfer: Bromma Airport to Stockholm City 1-7 Passengers: $131
- Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport 1-7 Passengers: $131
- Airport Transfer By Business Van - Arlanda Airport - Sthlm City : $207
- Airport Transfer By Luxuary First Class , Arlanda Airport-Sthlm City: $246
- Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Arrival Private Transfer Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Business Car: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Luxury Van: $143
- Arrival Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Stockholm City by Business Car: $123
- Arrival Private Transfer: Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Minibus: $275
- Cruise port VIP Transfer: Cruise port to Stockholm city center 1-6 Passangers: $159
- Cruise port VIP Transfer: Stockholm city center to Cruise port 1-6 Passangers: $156
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: $160
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $10
- Airport Hotel Transfer: $19
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Stockholm 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
-
Food Meals for one dayStockholm $36Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:
-
Breakfast$9.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.
- Food Tour: $102
- Stockholm Food Tour: $103
- Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
- From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $129
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Stockholm $25Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Stockholm
Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.93
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour Stockholm (Old Town and Surroundings): $3.28
- Walking Tour: Modern Stockholm City: $4.17
- Walking Tour Stockholm Old Town: $4.17
- Tour a pie Estocolmo la Ciudad Vieja: $4.63
- Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Gamla Stan's Landmarks and legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- History and Secrets of Gamla Stan Audio GPS Guided Walking Tour: $6.20
- Stockholm City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.35
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.50
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.42
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.58
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayStockholm $26Cartagena $9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm
Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $282
- Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $284
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 Stockholm and Cartagena, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Stockholm 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm 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 Stockholm Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Cartagena?
Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Cartagena?
Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Stockholm is much colder than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, 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 Stockholm. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyStockholm 18°C (64°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Stockholm gets 99 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. Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberStockholm 8°C (46°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Cartagena. The winter months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryStockholm -3°C (27°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Stockholm or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Cartagena. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Stockholm is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the spring, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Stockholm usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilStockholm 5°C (41°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Stockholm
| Stockholm | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.