Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leon or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Leon and Bogota 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: Leon or Bogota?
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, 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 dayLeon $59Bogota $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $53. 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 Leon and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Leon and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Leon 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: Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.51Bogota $8.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.56
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
- Arrival Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota by MiniSuv: $66
- Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
- Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
- Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Leon 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 dayLeon $12Bogota $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.57
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Hot Dog$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.81Bogota $13
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
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$1.31
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Party Tour: 6 nightclubs, Disco-Truck, After Party, 2 openbars: $2.95
- Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
- Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $12
- Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City: $13
- Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
- Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
- Shared Tour of the Historic Candelaria in Bogotá: $13
- Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $14
- Walking Tour through Candelaria: $14
- Full Day Tour to the Colonial Town of Villa de Leyva: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.53Bogota $14
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
- Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $25
When comparing the travel costs between Leon and Bogota, we can see that Leon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Leon is in Central America and Bogota is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leon Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Leon 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 Leon or Bogota?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Leon or Bogota in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leon as well as Bogota. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
Leon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Leon usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Leon is much warmer than Bogota in the summer. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Leon or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bogota. It's quite rainy in Leon. In October, Leon usually receives more rain than Bogota. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Leon is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leon in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Leon or Bogota in the Winter?
Both Bogota and Leon during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
Leon usually gets less rain in January than Bogota. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Leon is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 26°C (79°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Leon or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Leon usually receives less rain than Bogota. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Leon is much warmer than Bogota in the spring. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Leon
| Leon | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.