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.
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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.
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Medellin Prices
Colombia PricesBogota Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMedellin $34Bogota $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $34, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $72. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMedellin $5.48Bogota $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMedellin $11Bogota $60
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Medellin $4.78Bogota $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.90
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
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Medellin Airport (MED): $61
- Private airport transfers to Medellin: $54
- Private Transfer to Medellin Airport (MDE): $31
- Private Transfer from MDE Airport to Hotels and City of Medellín: $80
- Private Round Transfer to Guatape lakes and Penol rock!: $239
- Private Medellin MDE airport pick up transfer service one way: $35
- Private Medellín Hotel to Airport transfer service: $56
- Private Medellín Airport Arrival Transfer: Comfort & Reliability: $56
- Private Airport Transfer in Medellín: Arrival Service: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$8.72
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Taxi Ride$0.45
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2 Bus Passes$1.03
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: $105
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
- Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota Downtown RoundTrip Private Transfer: $44
- Bogota El Dorado Airport(BOG) to Bogota Arrival Transfer: $17
- Bogota Private Transfer from El Dorado to hotels 24/7: $20
- Bogota to or from Villavicencio Private Transfer: $94
- Downtown Hotels to Bogota Airport BOG Departure Private Transfer: $22
- From Bogotá: Salt Cathedral Tour with Transfer included: $58
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.): $249
- Nemocón Salt Mine Full service: Guide, tickets and transfers: $142
- Private Airport Transfer: El Dorado Airport → Bogota Hotels: $26
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
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Food Meals for one dayMedellin $19Bogota $27
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$2.42
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
- Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13 (Small Groups): $35
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $44
- Laureles Food Tour: $45
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $48
- Medellin Food Tour in Laureles: $54
- Medellín Home Cooking Class, Fruit Tasting & Colombian Snack: $55
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Medellin Street Food Tour: $60
- Empanadas, Arepas & Patacones Cooking Class: $60
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.81
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Hot Dog$1.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bogota Food Tour: 7 Tastings Through the Heart of La Candelaria: $52
- 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
- Cooking Class with Market Visit and Lunch: $90
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $95
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $115
- Food Tour EN the Usaquén neighborhood: $125
- Food Tour in Local Markets (Bogota): $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Medellin $15Bogota $15
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 Day Shared Tour in Medellin Guatapé and Commune 13: $93
- 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: $60
- 4 hours Private Pablo Escobar Dark days Tour of Medellin: $60
- 4-Hour Medellin, Envigado & Sabaneta Three County Tour: $79
- 90 Minute Walking Tour of Guatapé: $16
- A Night Tour of Medellin: $45
- ATV Adventure in Medellin's Mountains: $93
- ATV Adventure: Mountains and Forest Tour: $155
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$1.51
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: $5.73
- Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
- Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $6.72
- Bogotá: True Colombian Walking Tour + Local Snacks: $8.46
- Tour de fantasmas con 1 Copa Sangrienta Rest La Bruja Bogotá: $11
- Bogota Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $14
- Shared Walking Tour of Bogotá's Historic Center Candelaria: $14
- La Candelaria Private Walking Tour: $15
- Candelaria Timeless Tour Bogota : History, Culture & Technology: $16
- Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMedellin $8.32Bogota $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Medellín Nightlife Bar Crawl Local Bars and Clubs Tour: $16
- The Medellin Pub Crawl: $20
- The "Beyond Local Pub Crawl" Now in Medellín!: $24
- Medellín: Pub crawl in Provenza, music, dancing, and shots: $30
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl with private transportation: $138
- 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:
- Dave’s Bogota Pub Crawl: $25
- 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.