Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tokyo or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo 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: Tokyo or Cartagena?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, 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 Tokyo and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $77Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $154Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Cartagena $7.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $221
- Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $122
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $280
- Departure Private Transfer Tokyo to Haneda Airport (HND): $187
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $278
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $75
- From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $92
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $843
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $110
- Haneda Airport (HND) to/from Tokyo 23 Ward Private Transfer: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
- San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $157
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $156
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $136
- Cartagena to or from Santa Marta Private Transfer: $125
- Full-Day in Isla del Encanto with Lunch and Transfer to the Pier: $114
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $37Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.23
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.23
-
Meal at Airport$6.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
- Japanese Home Cooking Class near Tokyo Disneyland: $66
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $67
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.Tokyo $69Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.27
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.34
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.92
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.71
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.23
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.54
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.54
- Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.54
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Tokyo Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour: $6.54
- Ueno Park Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $6.54
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $33Cartagena $9.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $80
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $137
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $233
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 Tokyo and Cartagena, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Cartagena?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Cartagena?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Cartagena. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In July, Tokyo is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tokyo is much colder than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Cartagena. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Tokyo is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 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.