Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Medellin $23
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Medellin $4.75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Medellin $9.50
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 $1.58Medellin $4.14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
- Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
- Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $79
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $108
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $48
- Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $131
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $139
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.65
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 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 $3.25Medellin $9.61
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
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.
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $43
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $47
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
- Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55
- Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $57
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$2.10
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Medellin $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walking Tour of Palermo Soho: $5.00
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
- History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
- A day with an Argentinean Football Fan (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Jewish Heritage in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $11
- Recoleta Cemetery - Buenos Aires Jewel (Virtual Live Tour Experience): $11
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Medellin $7.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
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:
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $60
- Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Medellin, we can see that Medellin is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Medellin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Medellin than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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.