Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Colonia del Sacramento?
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 Colonia del Sacramento or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Medellin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Medellin?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Colonia del Sacramento Prices
Uruguay PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $79Medellin $33
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $33. 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $33Medellin $5.26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $66Medellin $11
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Medellin $4.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer: $21
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer: $21
- Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Transfer from or to Medellin's airport: $65
- Transfer from Medellin - Airport OR from Airport - Medellin: $55
- Transfer airport JMC - Medellin or vice versa - Private: $65
- Transfer Airport To and From Medellin: $27
- Sedan Departure Transfer from Medellin City to Medellin Airport: $151
- Private VIP Transfer from José María Córdova Airport to Medellín: $68
- Private Transfer to Medellin Airport (MDE): $25
- Private Transfer from Medellin Airport (MDE): $25
- Private Transfer from Medellín City to José María Córdova (MDE) Airport: $68
- Private Transfer from MDE Airport to Hotels and City of Medellín: $49
- Private Transfer Jose Marie Cordova Airport to Medellin Bello: $100
- Private Transfer José María Cordova Airport in Medellín: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $31Medellin $18
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$2.32
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
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $45
- 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
- Empanadas, Arepas & Patacones Cooking Class: $60
- Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience: $60
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
- Community project cooking class and Medellin social transformation tour: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $23Medellin $14
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Top-Rated Group Walking Tour | The City Like a Local: $5.50
- Historic Quarter Walking Tour: $8.00
- Museum Access Ticket (Self-Guided): $9.50
- Walking Tour Myths and Legends of Cologne’s Historic Quarter: $9.60
- Walking Tour with a Local Guide Born in the World Heritage Historic District: $11
- Classic Walking Tour in Group: $12
- Colonia del Sacramento Historical Tour Duration of 1 hour: $13
- Historical Walking Tour: $17
- Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $18
- Walking tour Colonia del Sacramento. ENG, SPA, GER, BY: $19
- Authentic Colony on Walking Tour of Its Historic Quarter: $20
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
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: $130
- “Medellín: Quad Bike (ATV) Sightseeing Tour of 3 Mountains, Waterfall, and Lunch”: $130
- 2 Days Medellin autentic Coffee Farm Experience: $265
- 2 Hour Medellin Off Road ATV Experiences: $160
- 2-Hours Street Art Walking Tour in Medellin Comuna 13: $24
- 3 Secret Viewpoints of Medellin + Picacho + Neighborhood: Nighttime Experience: $147
- 3 Towns Colonial Private Tour Leaving from Medellin: $130
- 4 hours Private Pablo Escobar Dark days Tour of Medellin: $60
- 4-Hour Medellin, Envigado & Sabaneta Three County Tour: $79
- 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $5.65Medellin $7.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting - Roots of Colonia del Sacramento: $32
- Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour: $190
- Carmelo from Colonia: Wine Tasting Experience & Lunch at the Zubizarreta Winery: $204
- Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo: $250
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
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $25
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Medellín: Pub crawl in Provenza, music, dancing, and shots: $30
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl with private transportation: $145
- Medellin Pub Crawl with transport Including Food and City Tour: $175
- Medellín: San Francisco Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch: $332
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Medellin, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Medellin?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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.