A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cali vs. Rosario for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cali or Rosario?

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 Rosario 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 Rosario?

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.

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario or Cali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $25, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $9.05. 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 Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $6.16
    Rosario $3.11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Rosario $6.22
Compare Hotels in Cali and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in Cali or Rosario? 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.

Hotels in Cali


Hotels in Rosario


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 Rosario Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.76
    Rosario $2.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $149
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $114
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
  • Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
  • Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $34
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali City- Cali Airport (CLO): $25
  • Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso Airport CLO to Cali or Palmira Hotels Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso Aragon Airport CLO to Cali Palmira Arrival Transfer: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cali $8.77
    Rosario $3.84

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cali $11
    Rosario $3.08

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.68
    Rosario $1.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cali and Rosario, we can see that Cali is more expensive. And not only is Rosario much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rosario would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rosario 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 Cali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cali than you might in Rosario.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cali Expensive? and Is Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cali or Rosario?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rosario. When comparing the sizes of Cali and Rosario, 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.