Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Medellin?
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 Medellin or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Medellin or Bogota? 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: Medellin or Bogota?
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.
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 Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Colombia.
-
Medellin Prices
Colombia PricesBogota Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMedellin $37Bogota $78
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $37, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $78. 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 Medellin and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMedellin $5.89Bogota $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMedellin $12Bogota $66
Compare Hotels in Medellin and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Medellin 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: Medellin Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Medellin $5.14Bogota $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
-
Taxi$2.05
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
- Transfer Airport To and From Medellin: $27
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Medellin Airport (MED): $61
- Private airport transfers to Medellin: $43
- Private Transfer to Medellin Airport (MDE): $31
- Private Transfer from Medellin Airport (MDE): $31
- Private Transfer from Medellín City to José María Córdova (MDE) Airport: $69
- Private Transfer from MDE Airport to Hotels and City of Medellín: $49
- Private Transfer In/Out José María Córdova Airport: $71
- Private Medellin MDE airport pick up transfer service one way: $35
- Private Medellín Hotel to Airport transfer service: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
-
Taxi from Airport$9.38
-
Taxi Ride$0.49
-
2 Bus Passes$1.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota by Car: $93
- Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $97
- Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota Downtown RoundTrip Private Transfer: $45
- Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Bogota El Dorado Airport(BOG) to Bogota Arrival Transfer: $18
- Bogota Premium private transfer: $10
- Bogota Private Transfer from El Dorado to hotels 24/7: $20
- Bogota to Bogota Airport (BOG) - Departure Private Transfer: $18
- Bogota to or from Villavicencio Private Transfer: $94
- Downtown Hotels to Bogota Airport BOG Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Minivan Arrival Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City: $134
- Nemocón Salt Mine Full service: Guide, tickets and transfers: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Medellin or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Medellin 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 dayMedellin $21Bogota $29
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
-
Lunch$2.60
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: $48
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- Medellín Home Cooking Class, Fruit Tasting & Colombian Snack: $55
- 4hr Cooking Class in Medellín with Traditional Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Empanadas, Arepas & Patacones Cooking Class: $60
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
- Homemade Paisa Dinner at a Local's Home in Medellín: $69
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$1.95
-
Hot Dog$1.14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Behind the Pint: Candelaria Craft Beer & Food Tour — 13 Tastings: $55
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $55
- Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $63
- Bogotá Local Food Tour - La Candelaria: $65
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $82
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $86
- Cooking Class with Market Visit and Lunch: $90
- Food Tour EN the Usaquén neighborhood: $125
- Food Tour in Local Markets (Bogota): $185
- Gastronomic Tour and Cooking Workshop: $213
- Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $250
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Medellin $16Bogota $16
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: $145
- “Medellín: Quad Bike (ATV) Sightseeing Tour of 3 Mountains, Waterfall, and Lunch”: $130
- 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-Hour Private Guided Tour in Medellin: $62
- 4 Hours Private Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: $60
- 4-Hour Medellin, Envigado & Sabaneta Three County Tour: $79
- 5-Hour Coffee and Pablo Express Mix Tour in Medellín: $140
- 9-Hour Full Day Tour of Pablo Escobar Including C13, Museum and Barrio PE: $265
- 90 Minute Walking Tour of Guatapé: $16
- A Night Tour of Medellin: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Beer$1.63
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Bogotá with Audio Guide: $5.92
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $6.72
- Armed Conflict and Violence Tour in Bogotá, Colombia: $12
- Shared Tour of the Historic Candelaria in Bogotá: $13
- Shared Walking Tour of Bogotá's Historic Center Candelaria: $14
- Shared Tour Colombian Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $14
- La Candelaria : The Best Tour of the Historic Center: $14
- Bogota Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $14
- Chapinero Shared Walking Tour: $15
- 3-in-1 Panoramic city tour with walking candelaria & experiences: $15
- Small group Tour Candelaria with must see: $15
- Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMedellin $8.94Bogota $17
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
- Live the Nightlife Rooftop Pub Crawl: $49
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $150
- Medellin Pub Crawl with transport Including Food and City Tour: $166
- Medellín: San Francisco Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch: $332
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Pub CrawL la Candelaria/Bogotá Español: $27
- Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $29
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Medellin and Bogota, we can see that Bogota 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 Bogota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bogota 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 Medellin Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Medellin or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Medellin 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.
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.