Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Medellin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Medellin?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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 Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Medellin $21
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $21. 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 Havana and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Medellin $4.35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Medellin $8.70
Compare Hotels in Havana and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Havana 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: Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Medellin $3.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Airport Transfer: $50
- Airport Transfers : $120
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $129
- Jose Maria Cordova Airport(MDE) to Medellin - Round-Trip Transfer: $43
- Medellín Airport Transfer: $50
- Medellín Private Transfer from Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport to Medellín City: $45
- Medellín Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport : $30
- Medellin Airport (EOH) to Medellin hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $56
- Medellin Airport (MDE) to Medellin Downtown - Round-Trip Transfer: $43
- Medellin Airport MDE to Downtown Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Medellin J.M.C Intl Airport (MDE) - Private Arrival / Departure Transfer : $77
- Medellin hotels to Medellin Airport (EOH) - Departure Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Medellin $8.80
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
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$1.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
- Medellín: Food Tour Express on Electric bike: $30
- Street Food Tour in Medellín with 10 + Tastings in El Poblado: $45
- Homemade Paisa Dinner at a Local's Home in Medellín: $69
- Homemade Paisa Dinner at a Local's Home in Medellín: $71
- Medellín Food Tour: $94
- Sabaneta and Envigado Best Local Food Tour from Medellin: $145
- Best Food Tour and Horseback Adventure in Medellin: $163
- Full Day Private Medellin City, Street Art and Food Tour: $175
- Medellin Historical and Food Tour with Fernando Botero´s Plaza: $175
- Medellin City Tour Including The History of Tango and Lunch or Dinner: $175
- Market Tour, Cooking Class in Medellin with a Colombian Chef: $178
- Medellin tour with Fernando Botero´s, street art and food tour: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Medellin $12
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Comuna 13 GRAFFITOUR knows the History of Art and Transformation.: $4.00
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffitour With Snacks Included: $10
- Graffitour Medellín: History, Transformation and Overcoming": $13
- Comuna 13 Medellín (Graffitour) Discover the Transformation: $13
- Post-conflict and Violence Tour (after Pablo) in Medellin: $13
- Virtual Tour: Colonial Santa Fe de Antioquia: $14
- Walking Tour in the Center of Medellin with Artistic Guide Book: $15
- Private Virtual Tour Exploring Medellín like a Local: $16
- Private Tour in La Comuna 13 its Art and History: $17
- Beyond Escobar History Museum Entry Ticket: $17
- Graffiti Tour Comuna 13: $18
- From violence to innovation (Virtual Guided Tour): $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Medellin $6.60
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl Nightlife in Medellin: $41
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl: $145
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Medellin, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Medellin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Medellin 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 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Medellin?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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.