Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Veracruz?
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 Veracruz or Cartagena?
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 Veracruz and Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Cartagena?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $143Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, 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 Veracruz and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $49Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $98Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $26Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Cartagena Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $276
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta or viceversa: $250
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Cartagena hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Cartagena hotels: $211
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $210
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $210
- Cartagena to or from Palomino Private Transfer: $198
- Cartagena Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $197
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $188
- Cartagena to or from Minca Private Transfer: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $78Cartagena $17
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.Veracruz $13Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
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 dayVeracruz $16Cartagena $9.17
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 Veracruz and Cartagena, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Veracruz is in North America 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz 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 Veracruz Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Cartagena?
Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 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 Veracruz this time of the year. In the summer, Veracruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 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 JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 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 Veracruz. In October, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 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 OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Veracruz during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In January, Veracruz is generally cooler than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Veracruz usually gets more rain in January than Cartagena. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 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 JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Veracruz or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Veracruz is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 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 AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.