Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Florianopolis or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Medellin? 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: Florianopolis or Medellin?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Florianopolis Prices
Brazil PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $78Medellin $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $78, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $35. 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 Florianopolis and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Medellin $5.51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Medellin $11
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Medellin $4.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú: $84
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $56
- Transfer Beto Carrero: $22
- Transfer Hotels in Florianópolis/Airport - private: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
-
Taxi$1.92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Transfer from Medellin - Airport OR from Airport - Medellin: $55
- Transfer airport JMC - Medellin or vice versa - Private: $65
- 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): $28
- 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 VIP Airport Rionegro MDE to Medellin: $23
- Private Medellin MDE airport pick up transfer service one way: $35
- Private Medellín Hotel to Airport transfer service: $43
- Private Airport Transfer in Medellín: Arrival Service: $43
- Private Airport Transfer: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $38Medellin $19
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
A Quick Snack$0.44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
-
Lunch$2.43
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
- Medellin El Poblado Street Food Tour: $34
- Empanada Cooking Class with Local Chef - Comuna 13: $34
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $48
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- 4hr Cooking Class in Medellín with Traditional Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Cooking Class Preparing Colombian Empanadas: $56
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Medellin $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $18
- Florianópolis city tour (full day): $22
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $32
- Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $38
- Panoramic Tour to Campeche Island & Lagoon of Conception: $39
- Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $47
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Tour in Florianopolis: $70
- Sandboard Experience by Adrenailha: $70
- Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $74
- Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $90
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 Day Shared Tour in Medellin Guatapé and Commune 13: $93
- 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
- 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
- ATV Tours from Medellin: $133
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.69Medellin $8.37
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Medellin Pub Crawl: $20
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $24
- 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
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $150
- 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 Florianopolis and Medellin, we can see that Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Medellin?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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.