Is Colombia Expensive?

Is Colombia expensive to visit?

Colombia is known as both a well-liked and very budget-friendly destination. It's generally not considered to be expensive at all, and our cost analysis agrees. When compared to the rest of South America, it is a moderately priced country. It stands in the top 50% of countries in South America for its travel costs. This makes it comparable with destinations such as Argentina and Bolivia.

Colombia is not frequented by travelers as much as other countries, but it still offers destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit in Colombia is Pereira. For more affordability, you can visit Cali.


Average daily price of selected cities in Colombia, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Rosario Islands $89
Pereira $66
Bogota $52
Cartagena $48
Salento $33
Santa Marta $32
Cali $25
Medellin $22


Santa Marta, Colombia

How expensive is Colombia?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Colombia tends to be around $46 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Colombia here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Colombia?

On average, a one week trip to Colombia costs about $324 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $648.

How expensive is a two week trip to Colombia?

A two week trip to Colombia costs about $648 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $1,295.

How expensive is a month long trip to Colombia?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Colombia costs around $1,388 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $2,775.



Cartagena, Colombia

Is it expensive to backpack in Colombia?

Colombia is a very popular destination for backpackers, offering an extensive network of over 410 hostels across the country. The average cost for a dorm room in these hostels is approximately $13 per night. (See detailed information on hostel prices in Colombia here.) Notably, backpackers often flock to the popular hostels in Santa Marta, Bogota, and Medellin. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Guatape, San Gil, and San Agustin has some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $7, $6, and $5 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Salento with an average cost of $28, $17, and $14 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Colombia.

  • $9 for a dorm bed at Dreamer Santa Marta in Santa Marta
  • $14 for a dorm bed at The Cranky Croc Hostel in Bogota
  • $31 for a dorm bed at Los Patios Hostel in Medellin

Where to find affordable hostels in Colombia
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Santa Marta 79 $12
Bogota 59 $11
Medellin 58 $13
Cartagena 50 $28
Cali 23 $10
Salento 21 $14
San Gil 20 $6
Jardin 16 $7
Leticia 11 $13
Guatape 10 $7
Barranquilla 9 $17
Barichara 8 $10
Filandia 7 $10
Manizales 7 $13
San Agustin 6 $5
Pereira 5 $13

Are hotels expensive in Colombia?

When considering the analysis of hotel prices in Colombia, it becomes apparent that they are notably more budget-friendly compared to other countries. The average nightly price for a hotel room is around $45. However, within Colombia, be aware of varying prices across cities, with destinations like Rosario Islands commanding a higher average of $83 per night. For those looking for more economical choices, Bogota offers a budget-friendly alternative, with hotel prices averaging $32 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Colombia
City Average Hotel Price
Rosario Islands $83
Cartagena $81
Pereira $45
Santa Marta $38
Medellin $35
Cali $35
Salento $33
Bogota $32

Cra 8 No 81-31, Bogota
Overall Rating 9.5
Centro Santo Domingo Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen No 33- 41, Cartagena de Indias
Overall Rating 9.8


Pereira, Colombia

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Colombia?

Activities and things to do in Colombia can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $15 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

    • The best Commune 13 Tours in Medellín: $60
    • Private Tour Comuna 13 with Cable Car Ride: $65
    • Guatape & Paragliding Private Tour: Nature and Adventure in One Great Day: $189
    • Private half day Medellin tour: meet Fernando Botero´s 23 statues: $66
    • Monserrate + Candelaria Private Tour (5 Hrs.) : $149
    • Private tour: hiking to the crystalline MELCOCHO river from MEDELLÍN: $259
    • Chocolate tour near Medellin : $110
    • The Most Complete Guatape Rock Private Tour in Medellin: $139

    Is food expensive in Colombia?

    Food in Colombia can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $12 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    • Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
    • Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
    • 5-Hour Cooking and Tasting Class with Market Small Group Tour : $170
    • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
    • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
    • A Night Out in Medellin with Dinner and Drinks Included: $175


    La Candalaria, Bogota, Colombia

    Is transportation expensive in Colombia?

    Local transportation in Colombia can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $8 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    Intercity transportation in Colombia can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $82 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

    More for Colombia

    If you're planning a trip to Colombia, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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