Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Cali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cali or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cali and Bogota 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: Cali or Bogota?
Cali
Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Colombia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCali $25Bogota $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $25, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $53. 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 Cali and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCali $6.16Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCali $12Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Cali and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Cali or Bogota? 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: Cali Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cali $5.76Bogota $8.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali
Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali City- Cali Airport (CLO): $25
- Transfer in Private Car from Cali Airport (CLO) -Cali City: $22
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17
- From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
- National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $114
- City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $149
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
- Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
- Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.56
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
- Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $15
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Bogota City Airport (BOG) - Bogota City: $40
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Bogota Airport (BOG)-Bogota City: $36
- Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
- Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
- Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Private Bogota Airport drop-off Transfer: $59
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Cali 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 dayCali $8.77Bogota $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali
For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $14
- Street Food Tour: $21
- Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
- Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59
- Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.57
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Hot Dog$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $49
- Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cali $11Bogota $13
Tours and Activities in Cali
For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4 Hours Private River Tour to Pance Cali Colombia : $60
- A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
- Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $159
- Cali Bike Park Tour: $95
- Cali Bike Tour: $32
- Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $53
- Cali City Tour by 3 Hours (transportation + guide): $180
- Cali City Tour by 5 Hours (transportation + guide): $248
- Cali City Tour by 8 Hours (transportation + guide): $370
- Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $56
- Cali Mountain Bike Tour: $95
- Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $16
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$1.31
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
- Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $152
- 2 Day Tour in Barichara: $220
- 3 Day Desert of the Tatacoa, an unforgettable experience closer to the stars: $299
- 3 Hour Road Bike Shared Tour in Bogota: $80
- 3 days- private tour Chingaza-Guatavita Savannah Expedition: $60
- 3-4 Hours Tour in flight connection: $180
- 4 Hour Bogota Bike Tour: $36
- 4-Hours E-Bike Tour in Bogotá City, Colombia: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCali $8.68Bogota $14
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cali and Bogota, we can see that Bogota is more expensive. And not only is Cali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cali 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 Bogota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bogota than you might in Cali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cali Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cali or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cali. When comparing the sizes of Cali and Bogota, 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.