Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Medellin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Medellin?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $59Medellin $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $31. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $42Medellin $4.91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $84Medellin $9.82
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20Medellin $4.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $296
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $118
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Luxury Van: $145
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $111
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $145
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $128
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $145
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $68
- Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $118
- Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $118
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $111
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $105
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Airport Transfers Medellín (per way): $50
- Guatapé Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $54
- Guatapé and Piedra del Penol, Lunch Transfers and Guide: $127
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $50
- Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $35
- Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel: $132
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $73
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
- Medellín: Guatapé and Medellín City Door-to-Door Transfer: $93
- Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer: $33
- Medellín: Private Airport Transfer: $35
- Medellín: Santa Elena Coffee Farm Tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.95Medellin $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- BA: Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
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Lunch$2.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
- Medellín: Comuna 13 True Story and Street Food Tour: $11
- Medellín: Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13: $19
- A night in Medellín: food tour and bars in El Poblado!: $32
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $38
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $45
- 4hr Cooking Class in Medellín with Traditional Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Medellín: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings (El Poblado): $56
- Cooking Class Preparing Colombian Empanadas: $56
- Colombia Inspired Food Tour: $59
- Private Night City Tour on Electric Bicycle + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $32Medellin $13
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.20
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $12
- Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- Graffiti Tour: $14
- Small Group Tour of Buenos Aires Historic: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16
- Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $19
- La Boca walking tour Tango neighborhood Football and Art: $20
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Electric Bicycle Tour of Guatapé: $7.98
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and a Local Guide: $9.75
- Medellín: Comuna 13 and Graffiti Walking Tour with Snacks: $10
- Medellin Historic Walking Tour: $11
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $11
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $11
- Shared Tour Medellin's Violence & Post-conflict after Pablo: $12
- Shared Tour Poblado, Provenza & Manila Districts: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour Through Color, Snacks & History: $12
- Shared Tour of Medellin's Historic & Cultural Downtown: $12
- Complete Tour in Comuna 13: Graffiti, History and Street Delights: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 and Graffiti Guided Tour with a Local: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.69Medellin $7.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl in El Poblado with Drinks, Games and VIP: $7.50
- Guided Medellin Pub Crawl: $18
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Medellín Nightlife: Rooftop Bar Crawl: $85
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl: $145
- NightOUT Medellin Gay Bar Crawl: $150
- Medellin LGBTQ Rooftop Bar Crawl: $150
- Medellin Pub Crawl Including Food and City Tour: $175
- Medellín Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Medellin, we can see that Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Medellin?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.