Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Buzios?
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 Buzios or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Buzios or Medellin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Buzios or Medellin?
Buzios
Initially a fishing village, Armação dos Buzios is a small beach resort town about three hours from Rio de Janeiro by bus. Buzios is a common weekend getaway destination for Cariocas. With 23 beaches, visitors from all over come to swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy sun and sand.
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 Rio de Janeiro, The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Buzios Prices
Brazil PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuzios $93Medellin $34
The average daily cost (per person) in Buzios is $93, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $34. 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 Buzios and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuzios $37Medellin $5.48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuzios $74Medellin $11
Compare Hotels in Buzios and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Buzios 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: Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buzios $19Medellin $4.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios
Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer: $43
- Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $43
- Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $87
- Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour From Buzios with Lunch and Transfers: $64
- Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $113
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Buzios Port: $113
- Private Transfer from GIG Airport to City Buzios in Rio: $230
- Private transfer Buzios in Rio to the SDU Airport: $195
- Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Medellín: 5-Day Luxury Tour with Private Transfers: $1,599
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $560
- Medellín Platinum Pack: Transfers + Hotel + Exclusive Tours: $250
- Private Round Transfer to Guatape lakes and Penol rock!: $239
- AIRPORT TRANSFER MEDELLIN JMC (MDE) Airport to El Peñol & Guatapé: $229
- Medellín: Comuna 13, Graffiti Workshop, Guide and Transfers: $206
- Medellin Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $203
- Minibus Departure Transfer from Medellin to Medellin Airport MDE: $171
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer from Medellin Airport to City by Sedan: $151
- Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel: $132
- Medellín: Santa Elena Coffee Farm Tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Buzios or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Buzios 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 dayBuzios $40Medellin $19
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$2.42
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: $14
- Empanada Cooking Class with Local Chef - Comuna 13: $34
- Medellin Food Tour with 10 Local Bites and Rooftop Beer: $35
- Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13 (Small Groups): $35
- Laureles Food Tour: $41
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $48
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- Medellín Home Cooking Class, Fruit Tasting & Colombian Snack: $55
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Colombia Inspired Food Tour: $59
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buzios $26Medellin $15
Tours and Activities in Buzios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.
- Boat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo: $14
- Two Floor Boat Tour with Toboágua Arraial do Cabo: $14
- Stand up paddle experience: $16
- Escuna Tour in Búzios Viva Water: $18
- Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $20
- Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
- Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $31
- Buzios Trolley City Tour: $34
- Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $35
- Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $38
- 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $40
- Underwater Adventure in Diving and Snorkeling: $49
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- “Exclusive Mountain Escape : ATV Tour from Medellin with lunch: $145
- “Medellín: Quad Bike (ATV) Sightseeing Tour of 3 Mountains, Waterfall, and Lunch”: $130
- 2 Day Private Jardin Tour with Activities from Medellin: $260
- 2-Hours Street Art Walking Tour in Medellin Comuna 13: $24
- 3 Secret Viewpoints of Medellin + Picacho + Neighborhood: Nighttime Experience: $147
- 3 in 1 Tours in City Tour, Comuna 13 and Graffiti Tour: $49
- 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Medellin: $59
- 4-Hour Medellin, Envigado & Sabaneta Three County Tour: $79
- 5-Hour Coffee and Pablo Express Mix Tour in Medellín: $155
- 90 Minute Walking Tour of Guatapé: $16
- A Taste of Colombia Medellin Market Tour and Lunch: $49
- ATV Adventure in Medellin's Mountains: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuzios $17Medellin $8.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $24
- Medellín: Pub crawl in Provenza, music, dancing, and shots: $30
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl with private transportation: $138
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $150
- Medellin Pub Crawl with transport Including Food and City Tour: $166
- Medellín: San Francisco Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch: $332
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buzios and Medellin, we can see that Buzios 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 Buzios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buzios 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 Buzios Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buzios or Medellin?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Buzios 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.