Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Valencia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valencia or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia 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: Valencia or Cartagena?
Valencia
Valencia is a port city that sits on Spain's southeastern Orange Blossom coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. As the nation's third-largest city, it is continually innovative in the arts and sciences with some futuristic architecture including a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The nightlife and daytime culture both thrive in their own ways, bustling with limitless opportunities for sight-seeing and entertainment. While the city is surrounded by fertile farmland, its center is a modern metropolis, skirted by beautiful beaches.
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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValencia €123Cartagena €45
The average daily cost (per person) in Valencia is €123, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is €45. 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 Valencia and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValencia €58Cartagena €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValencia €116Cartagena €50
Compare Hotels in Valencia and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Valencia 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: Valencia Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valencia €18Cartagena €7.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:
- Arrival Private Transfer Valencia Port to Valencia City by Van: $42
- Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Minivan: $42
- Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $37
- Barcelona to Montserrat: Guided Tour & Return Bus Transfers: $46
- Departure Private Transfer Montserrat to Barcelona Airport or City by Luxury Van: $175
- From Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour and Transfer: $59
- From Morella and Peñíscola Day Trip with Transfers: $118
- Private Transfer - Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer Valencia Airport to Hotel: $109
- Private Transfer: Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia City Center: $27
- Private Transfer: Valencia City Center to Valencia Airport (VLC): $26
- Private Transfer: Valencia to VLC Airport in Business Car: $77
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 Valencia or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Valencia 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 dayValencia €40Cartagena €9.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.
- Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
- Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $32
- Traditional Spanish Home Dinner: $48
- Valencia Traditional Food Tour: $51
- Guided Food Tour with Chocolate Tasting Experience: $54
- Street Food Tour including Paella & Tapas Tasting: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience near the center of Valencia: $59
- Morning Food Tour with Central Market Visit: $64
- Cooking Class of traditional spanish food: $65
- Vegetable Paella cooking class, tapas and visit market: $66
- Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit: $66
- Flamenco Show with Dinner at La Bulería: $70
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.Valencia €29Cartagena €20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia
Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Flamenco Tour€16
Tours and Activities in Valencia
Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.77
- Self-Guided City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.77
- Valencia Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- In love with A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Between Two Gates Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $7.99
- Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $7.99
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
- Silk Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $8.61
- Historic Center Audio-Guided Tour with Earphones: $8.61
- Scavenger Hunt and Monumental Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
- Scavenger Hunt and Iconic Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValencia €20Cartagena €8.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia
Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Pub Crawl with Free Shots: $13
- Pub Crawl Tour in the Old town of Valencia: $17
- Pub Crawl With Free Shots: $25
- Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in centre Valencia: $59
- From Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting: $91
- Local Tapas & Wine tasting experience: $91
- Wine Tasting and Tapas Experience: $102
- Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $108
- From Requena Wine Tour with Tastings: $124
- Small Group - Half-Day Wine Tour: $126
- Two wineries tour with wine tasting : $131
- Christmas Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $164
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 Valencia and Cartagena, we can see that Valencia is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valencia 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 Valencia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valencia or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Valencia. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Cartagena?
Valencia 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 Valencia or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, 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.
Valencia is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°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 Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValencia 25°C (76°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Valencia or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the autumn, Valencia is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Valencia gets 198 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. Valencia usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 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 OctoberValencia 19°C (66°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Valencia or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Cartagena. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Valencia is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Valencia usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValencia 12°C (53°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Valencia or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Cartagena. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Valencia is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, 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 Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Valencia usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 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 AprilValencia 15°C (60°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Valencia
| Valencia | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°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.