Cartagena vs Medellín
Which city is right for your trip in 2026?
Updated March 2026
Quick Comparison
💰
Daily Budget
Cartagena: COP 250000/day
Medellín: COP 120000/day
🛡️
Safety
Cartagena: moderate
Medellín: Moderate
Cartagena
Colombia
Medellín
Colombia
Country
Colombia
Colombia
Population
915K
2.0M
Timezone
America/Bogota
America/Bogota
Avg Temperature
31°C
27°C
Best Months
Jan, Feb, Mar
Jan, Jul, Dec
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cartagena or Medellín cheaper?
Budget travellers spend around COP 250000/day in Cartagena compared to COP 120000/day in Medellín.
Is Cartagena or Medellín safer?
Cartagena is rated "moderate" while Medellín is rated "Moderate" for tourists. Both are popular destinations with millions of visitors each year.
Should I visit Cartagena or Medellín?
It depends on your priorities. Medellín is cheaper for budget travellers. Check the full comparison above for weather, ratings, and more details.
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