Is Cartagena Expensive? Full Cost Breakdown for 2025 (Budget, Mid-Range & Luxury)

Posted on by Luciana Murillo
Is Cartagena Expensive? Full Cost Breakdown for 2025 (Budget, Mid-Range & Luxury)

Cartagena is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia—sunny Caribbean beaches, colorful colonial streets, luxury hotels, world-class dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene. But with popularity comes a big question:

Is Cartagena expensive?

The short answer: Cartagena is the most expensive city in Colombia, especially in the Walled City and Bocagrande.
The long answer: With smart planning, it can be affordable, and even budget-friendly.

This full breakdown covers daily costs, food prices, accommodation, transportation, beach clubs, tours, safety costs, and hidden expenses so you can plan realistically for your 2025 trip.

⭐ Is Cartagena Expensive Overall?

Compared to the rest of Colombia → Yes.
Compared to the Caribbean, Mexico, or Europe → Moderate.
Compared to the U.S. or Canada → Affordable.

Cartagena’s prices vary widely depending on where you sleep, eat, and hang out. A luxury traveler can easily spend $300–$600/day, while a budget traveler can get by on $35–$50/day.

Cartagena Prices at a Glance (2025)

Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation (per night) $12–$40 $50–$150 $200–$600+
Meals per day $7–$18 $20–$40 $50–$100
Transport $4–$10 $8–$15 $20–$40
Activities $0–$20 $30–$60 $80–$300
Beach club day pass $15–$40 $45–$70 $100–$300
Daily total $35–$70 $80–$180 $250–$700

1. Accommodation Costs in Cartagena

Cartagena has one of Colombia’s widest cost ranges when it comes to hotels.

Budget ($12–$40/night)

Best in Getsemaní or Crespo

  • Hostels: $12–$20

  • Budget hotels: $25–$40

  • Basic rooms, fan or simple AC

Examples: Life is Good Hostel, Republica Hostel

Mid-Range ($50–$150/night)

Plenty of choice in Centro Histórico, San Diego, Bocagrande

  • Charming boutique hotels

  • Comfortable AC, breakfast

  • Rooftop pools in the $120+ range

Examples: Casa India Catalina, Hotel Casa Lola

Luxury ($200–$600+/night)

Among the most expensive in all of Colombia

  • Restored mansions

  • Colonial suites

  • Pools, spas, rooftops

  • Celebrity-level service

Examples: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Casa San Agustin

2. Food & Drink Costs

Cartagena has street food for a few dollars and Michelin-level tasting menus for $100+.

Budget Food ($1–$5)

  • Arepas

  • Empanadas

  • Pan de bono

  • Local menus of the day

Street food meal: $2–$4
Local restaurants: $5–$7

Mid-Range ($8–$20)

  • Fresh fish plates

  • Caribbean rice dishes

  • Pastas, burgers, pizzas

Sit-down meal: $10–$15
Cocktail: $4–$7
Beer: $1.50–$3

Luxury Dining ($25–$100+)

High-end dining in Cartagena is world-class.

Top restaurants:

  • Carmen

  • Alma

  • Celele

  • La Vitrola

Tasting menus: $45–$95
Cocktails: $10–$14
Wine: $8–$12 per glass

3. Transportation Costs in Cartagena

Taxis

  • Short rides: $2–$4

  • Airport to Walled City: $4–$6

  • Bocagrande to Getsemaní: $3–$4

Ride apps (InDriver, Uber)

Often slightly cheaper, but many drivers ask for cash.

Buses

  • Very cheap: $0.70
    Not always practical for tourists.

Walking

The Walled City + Getsemaní are extremely walkable.

4. Beach Club & Island Costs

This is where costs jump significantly.

Playa Blanca clubs

  • $15–$35/day pass

  • Meals: $10–$15

Tierra Bomba

  • $25–$60/day pass

  • Close to Cartagena

  • Excellent for mid-range travelers

Rosario Islands

  • $50–$120/day pass

  • Boat transport often included

  • Luxury cabanas: $100–$300

Private islands

5. Tour & Activity Costs

Activity Price
Rosario Islands full-day tour $35–$75
Sunset bay cruise $25–$60
Walled City walking tour Free–$15 (tip-based)
Salsa class $10–$25
Cooking class $40–$70
San Felipe Castle $8 entrance
Cartagena museums Free–$5
Street food tour $20–$35

6. Nightlife Prices

Nightlife is one of Cartagena’s pricier areas, depending where you go.

In Getsemaní:

  • Beer: $1.50–$2.50

  • Cocktails: $4–$7

In Centro Histórico & rooftops:

  • Beer: $3–$5

  • Cocktails: $10–$14

  • Bottle service: $40–$100+

Famous clubs:

  • Alquimico

  • La Movida

  • 51 Sky Bar

You can go cheap or very expensive depending on the venue.

7. Hidden Costs Travelers Don’t Expect

Tourist pricing

Vendors often quote higher prices—especially on beaches.

Beach services

  • Chairs, umbrellas, massages

  • Can double the cost if you’re not careful

Island taxes

Some tours charge a marine park tax of $3–$5.

Airport taxis

Fixed prices; cash preferred.

Walled City restaurants

Automatic 10% service fee on most bills.

8. Daily Budget Examples

Budget Traveler ($35–$70/day)

✔ Hostel dorm
✔ Street food + local restaurants
✔ Walk everywhere
✔ One or two paid activities per week

Mid-Range Traveler ($80–$180/day)

✔ Boutique hotel
✔ Mix of local + nice restaurants
✔ Taxi/ride apps
✔ Beach clubs + fun tours

Luxury Traveler ($250–$700/day)

✔ 5-star hotel or restored mansion
✔ Fine dining
✔ Island hopping
✔ Private beach clubs
✔ Rooftop nightlife

Is Cartagena Worth the Cost?

Yes — and here’s why:

✨ Caribbean climate year-round
✨ UNESCO historic center
✨ Rosario Islands nearby
✨ Unbeatable dining scene
✨ Safe and walkable
✨ Romantic, colorful, atmospheric

It’s pricier than the rest of Colombia, but still excellent value for what you get.

Malcare WordPress Security