Cost of Living in Cartagena
How much does it cost to visit Cartagena? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Avel Chuklanov / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
COP 250000
per day
Weekly: COP 1750000
Monthly: COP 7500000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at El Viajero Hostel CartagenaCOP 50000
- 🍽️Arepas from a street vendor in GetsemaniCOP 15000
- 🍽️Lunch at La Cevicheria (specializing in ceviche)COP 50000
- 🚌Local bus rides within the cityCOP 10000
- 🎟️Explore the Walled City on foot, visit Castillo San Felipe de BarajasCOP 25000
- 🎟️Relax at Bocagrande BeachCOP 0
- 🍽️Dinner at a local eatery in Getsemani for Bandeja PaisaCOP 50000
- 🎟️Sunset drinks at Cafe del Mar (budget for one drink)COP 50000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
COP 600000
per day
Weekly: COP 4200000
Monthly: COP 18000000
Examples
- 🏨Private room at Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa CartagenaCOP 250000
- 🍽️Breakfast at Epoca Espresso BarCOP 40000
- 🚌Taxi rides between key locationsCOP 50000
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Walled City and GetsemaniCOP 80000
- 🍽️Lunch at Alma Restaurante BarCOP 100000
- 🎟️Visit the Islas del Rosario by boat tourCOP 100000
- 🍽️Dinner at Carmen RestauranteCOP 150000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
COP 1500000
per day
Weekly: COP 10500000
Monthly: COP 45000000
Examples
- 🏨Suite at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara CartagenaCOP 800000
- 🍽️Gourmet breakfast at the hotelCOP 80000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayCOP 200000
- 🎟️Private boat tour to the Rosario Islands with lunchCOP 300000
- 🍽️Michelin-starred tasting menu dinner at CeleleCOP 350000
- 🎟️Evening cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the cityCOP 70000
Cost by Category
accommodation
100000-500000 COP
food
80000-200000 COP
Transport
20000-50000 COP
activities
50000-300000 COP
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walled City | Luxury | center | first-timers, couples |
| Getsemani | Mid-range | slightly below | solo travelers, nightlife |
| Bocagrande | Mid-range | similar | families, beach lovers |
| Castillogrande | Mid-range | below | families, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Cartagena
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Cartagena Costs
How much does it cost to visit Cartagena?
Budget travellers can visit Cartagena for around COP 250000/day (COP 1750000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget COP 600000/day, while luxury travel costs around COP 1500000/day.
Is Cartagena expensive?
Cartagena is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least COP 250000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Cartagena?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Cartagena, budget COP 600000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Cartagena?
Budget travellers in Cartagena can get by on COP 250000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.