Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Brasilia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Brasilia or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Brasilia and Medellin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Brasilia or Medellin?
Brasilia
The capital city of Brazil, Brasilia is a uniquely-planned city that was constructed in four years from 1956-1960 in the shape of a large bird or airplane. Renowned for its modern architecture, the city listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and attracts architecture aficionados worldwide.
Medellin
In addition to big improvements in public safety, Medellin has witnessed a huge surge in urban development projects, including Colombia's first metro system and cable cars to service poorer neighborhoods located high on the mountain sides. There is an abundance of parks, libraries, museums and public spaces with many cultural events taking place. Many travelers also enjoy visiting the surrounding villages, where life is simple and landscapes and nature reserves are wonderful. Medellin has now become one of the "it" cities in the world, with tons of tourists visiting and foreigners settling and retiring here. Beautiful mountains, warm weather, friendly locals, and a vibrant culture are just a few of the reasons why you should visit Medellin.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrasilia $83Medellin $23
The average daily cost (per person) in Brasilia is $83, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $23. 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 Brasilia and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrasilia $35Medellin $4.75
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrasilia $70Medellin $9.50
Compare Hotels in Brasilia and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Brasilia or Medellin? 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: Brasilia Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brasilia $22Medellin $4.14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
-
Taxi$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Medellin Airport to City by MiniSuv: $98
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $129
- Jose Maria Cordova Airport(MDE) to Medellin - Round-Trip Transfer: $41
- Medellín Airport Transfer: $50
- Medellín Private Transfer from Medellín City to Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport: $43
- Medellín Transfer: José María Córdova Airport : $30
- Medellin Airport (EOH) to Medellin hotels - Arrival Transfer: $27
- Medellin Airport (MDE) to Downtown hotels - Arrival Transfer: $21
- Medellin Airport (MDE) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $41
- Medellin Airport MDE to Downtown Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Medellin hotels to Medellin Airport (EOH) - Departure Transfer: $27
- Medellin to Jose Maria Cordova Airport (MDE) - Departure Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Brasilia or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Brasilia 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBrasilia $32Medellin $9.61
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
-
Lunch$2.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
- Homemade Paisa Dinner at a Local's Home in Medellín: $71
- Half-Day Food Tour Visiting the Best Viewpoints in Medellín!: $75
- Sabor Colombiano Cooking Studio: $75
- Food Tour in An Authentic Culinary Experience: $109
- Combo Tour: Street Art, Christmas Lights and Food Tour in Medellin: $131
- Medellin tour with Fernando Botero´s, street art and food tour: $138
- Medellin City Tour Including The History of Tango and Lunch or Dinner: $138
- Full Day Private Medellin City, Street Art and Food Tour: $145
- Private tour: Medellin City – Pablo Escobar and Food Tour: $166
- Combo Tour: Metro System, Christmas Lights and Food Tour of Medellin: $166
- Combo Tour: Dark days & Christmas tour Including Lunch or Dinner: $166
- A Night Out in Medellin with Dinner and Drinks Included: $175
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brasilia $19Medellin $13
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Skip the Line: Museum of Antioquia Admission Ticket: $7.20
- Graffiti Tour | Commune 13 guided by locals and Snacks: $11
- Graffitour Medellín: History, Transformation and Overcoming": $13
- Shared Tour of the Historical and Cultural Center of Medellín: $13
- Post-conflict and Violence Tour (after Pablo) in Medellin: $13
- Shared Tour of El Poblado "Sin Taboos" in Medellin: $13
- GRAFITOUR COMUNA 13 more than a tour an EXPERIENCE: $15
- Walking Historical tour of Medellín, walking reality.: $15
- Medellin Shared Walking Tour Metro ticket included: $16
- Commune 13, cable car. Graffititour. History. All inclusive: $19
- Comuna 13 History and Graffiti Tour with Cable Car: $20
- Tour Stairs and Cemetery Commune 13: $21
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrasilia $14Medellin $7.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Medellin Pub Crawl Including Food and City Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brasilia and Medellin, we can see that Brasilia is more expensive. And not only is Medellin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Medellin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Medellin 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 Brasilia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brasilia than you might in Medellin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brasilia Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brasilia or Medellin?
Brasilia has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Brasilia and Medellin, 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.
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.