Which place is cheaper, Cali or Fortaleza?
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 Fortaleza or Cali?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Cali 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: Fortaleza or Cali?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia.
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Fortaleza Prices
Brazil PricesCali Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $86Cali $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $86, while the average daily cost in Cali is $39. 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 Fortaleza and Cali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Cali $7.64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Cali $15
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Cali
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Cali? 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Cali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Cali $7.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.90
- Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $33
- Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $100
- Transfer 4x4 Fortaleza x Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara x Fortaleza: $208
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $120
- Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $240
- Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Cumbuco: $117
- Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Aquiraz: $106
- Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $12
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport (FOR): $38
- Round trip transfer to Jericoacoara: $65
- Private transfer in 4X4 Fortaleza A Jeri or Jeri A Fortaleza: $211
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$1.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali
Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
- Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $183
- Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minivan: $174
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minivan: $174
- Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $136
- Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by car: $131
- Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $93
- Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $46
- Alfonso Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Airport Transfers to Cali Hotels: $28
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Cali?
Prices for flights to both Cali and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $41Cali $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali
For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour: $24
- Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
- Traditional Colombian Cooking Class in Cali: $71
- Food Tour San Antonio: $90
- Discover Pacific Flavors Cali Cooking Class and Market Tour: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Cali $13
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach of Beautiful Waters + Barra Nova (including Buggy Tour): $51
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $27
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $24
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $30
- City Tour and Praia Futuro Beach: $163
- Cumbuco in 1 Day: Unforgettable Tour: $31
- Exploring Cumbuco: 1-Day Adventure: $31
- Fortaleza City Tour + Central Market and Fish Market: $36
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $24
- 4-Hour City Car Tour: $140
Tours and Activities in Cali
For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
- Afro Tour The Colors of Cali: $57
- Buga, Hacienda Piedechinche and Cane Museum Tour from Cali: $250
- Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $250
- Cali Birdwatching and Botany Tour at KM18: $149
- Cali City Tour: $29
- Cali City Tour Safe, Comfortable and Authentic Culture: $89
- Cali Food Market Tour Galería Alameda with Exotic Tastings: $29
- Cali River Waterfall Tour (4 hours): $64
- Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $75
- Cali private city tour: $120
- City Tour | Guided tour around the city: $99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.93Cali $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Cali
Also in Cali, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Salsa Friday in Calle del Sabor + Bar Crawl in Cali: $32
- Friday Night Street Salsa and Bar Crawl in Cali, Colombia: $35
- Paragliding + Wine tasting + Hacienda El Paraiso + Saint Helena: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Cali, we can see that Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Cali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Cali?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Cali. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Cali, 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.