Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Florianopolis?
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 Florianopolis or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Cartagena?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
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 Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Florianopolis Prices
Brazil PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $74Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $74, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Florianopolis and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $25Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $50Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $81
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $228
- Shared Transfer: $13
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $56
- Transfer Hotels in Florianópolis/Airport - private: $67
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $36Cartagena $17
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.42
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $25Cartagena $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.56
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $17
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $21
- Florianópolis city tour (full day): $21
- Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $26
- Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $27
- Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $35
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $35
- Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $36
- Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $39
- Secret Island Adventure: Gravata Trail, Floripa: $39
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $40
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $40
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.34Cartagena $9.17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.56
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Cartagena, we can see that Florianopolis is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Florianopolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Cartagena?
Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Florianopolis during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florianopolis this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Florianopolis is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in July.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagenain July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 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 January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Cartagena. Many travelers come to Florianopolis for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 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 April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Cartagena. Many visitors come to Florianopolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In July, Florianopolis is generally much colder than Cartagenain January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 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 July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Florianopolis for the beaches during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Florianopolis is cooler than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 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 October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.