Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Bogota?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bogota or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota or San Diego, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Bogota or San Diego?
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBogota $52San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $52, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 Bogota and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBogota $26San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBogota $52San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Bogota and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Bogota or San Diego? 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: Bogota Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bogota $8.61San Diego $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.42
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
- Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
- Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
- Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
- Bogotá Graffiti Bike Tour - No Transfers: $80
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Bogota or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Bogota 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 dayBogota $13San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.54
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Hot Dog$0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
- Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bogota $13San Diego $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.29
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bogotá Architecture Private Tour (6 Hrs.): $149
- Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3 days- private tour Chingaza-Guatavita Savannah Expedition: $60
- 3-Hour Walking Tour and Musical Picnic in the Heart of Ibague: $23
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
- 6 hour Private City Tour through Bogotá (Con Monserrate): $134
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBogota $14San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
- Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bogota and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bogota is in South America and San Diego is in North 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bogota Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bogota or San Diego?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Bogota and San Diego, 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 Bogota or San Diego?
San Diego has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bogota or San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bogota and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Bogota is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bogota in July average around 14°C (57°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In July, Bogota usually receives more rain than San Diego. Bogota gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBogota 14°C (57°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Bogota or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bogota as well as San Diego. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Bogota is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 14°C (57°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bogota usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Bogota gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBogota 14°C (57°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Bogota or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Bogota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bogota is around the same temperature as San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Bogota averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In January, Bogota usually receives less rain than San Diego. Bogota gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBogota 14°C (57°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Bogota or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Bogota during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In the spring, Bogota is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bogota in April average around 15°C (59°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Bogota usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Bogota gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBogota 15°C (59°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Bogota
| Bogota | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.