Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Bogota can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Bogota?
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.
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Colombia.
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Cartagena Prices
Colombia PricesBogota Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $55Bogota $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $55, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $61. 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 Cartagena and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Bogota? 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: Cartagena Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.46Bogota $8.57
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
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfers from the Airport to Hotels in Cartagena: $10
- Transfer to Exclusive Beach Club in the Rosario Islands.: $150
- Transfer speedboat round trip Cartagena Islas del Rosario: $40
- Transfer service in Cartagena: $53
- Transfer Private Airport - Manzanillo del Mar: $30
- Transfer Privado del Aeropuerto de Cartagena (CTG) al Hotel: $35
- Transfer Cartagena : $53
- The best private Transfer from/to Cartagena airport. ONE WAY : $23
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG)-Manzanillo / Baru: $32
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG): $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.39
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Taxi Ride$0.38
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2 Bus Passes$0.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bogota Airport (BOG) to Bogota - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Bogota to or from Villavicencio Private Transfer: $94
- Downtown Hotels to Bogota Airport BOG Departure Private Transfer: $23
- El Dorado Airport Transfer: Direct to Your Hotel or Accommodation: $30
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $179
- Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Bogotá Hotels : $36
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport: $13
- Private Bogota Airport - Hotel Transfer: Safe, Fast, and Reliable: $21
- Private Bogota Airport drop-off Transfer: $59
- Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $17
- Private One Way Transfer: Bogota Airport (BOG) from/to Bogota: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Cartagena 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 dayCartagena $17Bogota $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.54
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Hot Dog$0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $60
- Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $73
- Food Tour in Historic Downtown with a Food Scholar and Tastings: $75
- Colombian Cooking Class in Bogota with a Local Chef: $102
- Tropical Abundance: Interactive Cooking Class in Bogota: $176
- Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $180
- Gastronomic Tour and Cooking Workshop: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Bogota $13
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Palmarito Tour with Private Beach, Pools and Full Food: $66
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $43
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $160
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $30
- 2-Hour Cartagena Bay Tour: $30
- 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $65
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.28
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Theatron Party-Tour, 20 Clubs, Map, cocktail, bottle, After-party: $5.00
- Botanical Garden José Celestino Mutis Photo Tour in Bogota: $5.80
- Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
- Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
- Armed Conflict and Violence Tour in Bogotá, Colombia: $12
- Shared Tour Colombian Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
- Bogota Shared Gastronomy Tour in the Historic Center: $13
- Shared Walking Tour of Bogotá's Historic Center Candelaria: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.17Bogota $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
When comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Bogota, we can see that Bogota is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cartagena Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Bogota, 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 Cartagena or Bogota?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Bogota. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bogota. It's quite rainy in Cartagena. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Bogota. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Cartagena is much warmer than Bogota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Winter?
Both Bogota and Cartagena during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Bogota. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Bogota. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (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.