Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Cape Town?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cape Town or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cape Town or Bogota? 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: Cape Town or Bogota?
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
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 Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCape Town $98Bogota $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $52. 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 Cape Town and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Town $39Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Town $78Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Cape Town 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: Cape Town Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Town $17Bogota $8.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whale Watching In Hermanus with Private Transfer: $250
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cape Town HTL-APT(CPT): $44
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cape Town APT-HTL(CPT): $44
- Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
- Transfer To Safari- Aquila From Cape Town Excluding Entry Fees Full Day: $159
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Simonstown to Cape Town Airport: $26
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shopping Mall Transfers: $22
- Shark Cage Diving: Full Day Tour Transfer: $97
- Shared Transfers to and from Safari Game Reserve (excluding entrance fees): $85
- Shared Transfer to Cape Agulhas - Where The Two Oceans Meet From Cape Town F/Day: $183
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.42
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.87
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
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
- 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 pick up transfer service: $20
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
- Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Bogotá Hotels : $31
- Premium Private Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Bogota Hotels: $21
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Town or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Cape Town 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 dayCape Town $42Bogota $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.54
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Hot Dog$0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
- Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Town $23Bogota $13
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Wineries Private Tour in Stellenbosch, Paarl Tasting Included: $137
- Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $192
- Cape Point Full Day Tour: $192
- Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $257
- Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $66
- Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and City Tour: $280
- Cape Town Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour: $30
- CapeWinelands Private Tour to Stellenbosch,Franschhoek and Paarl: $96
- Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $166
- Long Walk to Freedom in Robben Island including Ticket & Afrogem: $156
- Mandela's Robben Island Museum Bo-Kaap Cape Town City Tour + Ferry ticket f/d: $165
- Penguins Private Tour- Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point Tour from Cape Town: $114
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$1.29
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
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3 days- private tour Chingaza-Guatavita Savannah Expedition: $60
- 3-Hour Walking Tour and Musical Picnic in the Heart of Ibague: $23
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
- 6 hour Private City Tour through Bogotá (Con Monserrate): $134
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Town $21Bogota $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
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
- Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Town and Bogota, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa and Bogota is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town than you might in Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Town Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cape Town or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Town. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town 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.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town or Bogota?
Cape Town has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cape Town or Bogota in the Summer?
Both Bogota and Cape Town are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Cape Town is generally much warmer than Bogotain July. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 21°C (70°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In January, Cape Town usually receives less rain than Bogotain July. Cape Town gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCape Town 21°C (70°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cape Town or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Cape Town during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
Cape Town is a little warmer than Bogota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Town averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
Bogota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Town usually gets less rain in April than Bogotain October. Cape Town gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCape Town 18°C (64°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cape Town or Bogota in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Town and Bogota. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Cape Town is cooler than Bogota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Town in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F)in January.
In July, Cape Town usually receives more rain than Bogotain January. Cape Town gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCape Town 13°C (55°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Cape Town or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cape Town as well as Bogota. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
In October, Cape Town is generally around the same temperature as Bogotain April. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 16°C (61°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Cape Town usually gets less rain in October than Bogotain April. Cape Town gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCape Town 16°C (61°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Cape Town
| Cape Town | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
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.