Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Warsaw?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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: Warsaw or Cartagena?
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWarsaw $94Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $94, 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 Warsaw and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWarsaw $52Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWarsaw $104Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Warsaw $4.68Cartagena $7.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw
Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer (Warsaw ⇄ Krakow): $142
- Airport Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Business Car: $66
- Arrival Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Luxury Van: $73
- Axe Throwing with Hotel Transfers: $82
- Chopin Airport One–Way Limousine Transfer: $249
- Departure Transfer: Warsaw to Warsaw Airport WAW by Business Car: $66
- Extreme Shooting Range with Transfers Warsaw: $92
- Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
- Luxury Warsaw Chopin Airport Transfer by private Minivan car: $90
- Modlin-Warsaw WMI Airport Round-Trip Transfer: $197
- ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
- Premium Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) Private Transfer: $87
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 Warsaw or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Warsaw 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 dayWarsaw $27Cartagena $9.82
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:
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Dinner for Two$13
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Lunch for Two$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw
For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $19
- Breakfast Market Food Tour in Warsaw: $56
- Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
- Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
- Polish Food Tour: $93
- Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $95
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $110
- The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
- EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
- Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
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.Warsaw $7.02Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Warsaw
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.31
- Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
- Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
- Warsaw at War 1939-1945: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Warsaw's Old Town A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
- Museum POLIN "(post)JEWISH..." - Exhibition Ticket: $7.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11
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 dayWarsaw $10Cartagena $9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:
- The Original Pub Crawl: $16
- #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
- Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
- Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $177
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 Warsaw and Cartagena, we can see that Warsaw is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Warsaw 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 Warsaw would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Warsaw 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 Warsaw Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Cartagena?
Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Cartagena?
Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Cartagena. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In the summer, Warsaw is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Warsaw usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 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 JulyWarsaw 19°C (65°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Warsaw is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 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. In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 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 OctoberWarsaw 9°C (49°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. Warsaw is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Warsaw usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 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 JanuaryWarsaw -3°C (27°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Cartagena. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Warsaw is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Warsaw usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 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 AprilWarsaw 9°C (47°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Warsaw
| Warsaw | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (47°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (65°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (49°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (31°F) | 32 mm (1.3 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.