Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Cali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cali or Valparaiso?
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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso?
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.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.
Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.
Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCali $25Valparaiso $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $25, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $66. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCali $6.16Valparaiso $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCali $12Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Cali and Valparaiso
Looking for a hotel in Cali or Valparaiso? 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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cali $5.76Valparaiso $4.83
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:
- Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $34
- Alfonso Airport CLO to Cali or Palmira Hotels Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alfonso Aragon Airport CLO to Cali Palmira Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
- Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
- City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $149
- National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $114
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
- From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:
- World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250
- Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $76
- Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
- Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
- Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
- Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
- Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Port to Santiago Airport (SCL): $80
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $80
- Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
- Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Valparaiso?
Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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 $8.77Valparaiso $22
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 Valparaiso
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:
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Empanada$1.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.
- Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cali $11Valparaiso $18
Tours and Activities in Cali
For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cali's Cultural and Historical Walking Tour: $14
- Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $15
- Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $16
- Walking Tour in the Historic Center of Cali City: $25
- The Cali Street Food Walking Tour: $30
- Cali Bike Tour: $32
- Medicinal Plant Private Tour in La Galeria Alameda of Cali: $35
- Coffee Tasting Experience in Cali Colombia : $35
- Walking Tour: $35
- Private half day tour in Siloé Cali: $35
- Walking tour of the historic center: $37
- Private Relaxing Massage Experience in Cali: $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso
Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Tour$4.19
Tours and Activities in Valparaiso
Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
- 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
- Cruise Port to Valparaiso & Casablanca: Drop-off in Santiago: $150
- Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
- Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
- Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $100
- Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
- Half-Day Chilean Pacific Coast Tour: Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón: $87
- Half-Day Valparaiso City Highlights Tour: $87
- Neruda Museums Isla Negra & La Sebastiana Valparaiso City Tour: $259
- PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour: $155
- Pre or Post Valparaiso Cruise with Santiago City Tour and optional Vineyard: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCali $8.68Valparaiso $7.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Beer$1.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:
- Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
- Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255
- Isla Negra Museum Tour & CasaBlanca Wine Tour: $289
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cali and Valparaiso, we can see that Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cali or Valparaiso?
Cali has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Valparaiso. When comparing the sizes of Cali and Valparaiso, 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.