Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Medellin or Lima? 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Medellin Prices
Colombia PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMedellin $34Lima $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $34, while the average daily cost in Lima is $96. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMedellin $5.48Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMedellin $11Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Medellin and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Medellin or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Medellin $4.78Lima $6.11
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:
- Medellin Airport (EOH) to Medellin - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Medellin Airport (MDE) to Medellin - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Medellín Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $34
- Private Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Medellin MDE airport pick up transfer service one way: $35
- Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer: $36
- Medellin to Medellin Airport (EOH) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Medellin Airport (EOH) to Medellin - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Private Airport Transfer in Medellín: Arrival Service: $43
- Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $43
- Medellín Private Transfer from Medellín City to Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport: $46
- Medellín Private Transfer from Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport to Medellín City: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.78
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Taxi Ride$5.78
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Short Taxi Ride$4.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- From Lima Private transfer to Paracas: $290
- Lima Airport Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $23
- Lima Airport Transfer to Hotel Deluxe Car English Driver: $50
- Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $56
- Lima Hotels to Lima Airport (LIM)- Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Lima airport transfers: $27
- Lima to Huacachina Private Transfer with 2 Stops: $252
- LIM Airport Private Transfer to/from Lima Center/Barranco: $13
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $125
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $159
- Private Airport Transfer Service – Arrival or Departure: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Medellin or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $19Lima $32
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
- Medellin Food Tour with 10 Local Bites and Rooftop Beer: $35
- Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13 (Small Groups): $35
- Laureles Food Tour: $41
- 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
- Medellin Private Nighttime City Sightseeing Tour by E-Bike + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Colombia Inspired Food Tour: $59
- Medellín: Street Food Tour with Local Tastings: $62
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.63
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Ice cream$3.76
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Coffee$3.18
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Donut$1.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $44
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $55
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $55
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $67
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $69
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $72
- Authentic 4-dish Peruvian Food Cooking Class in Lima + Pisco Sour: $75
- Peru Culinary Identity: 10+ Tastes with Sherpa Food Tours: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Medellin $15Lima $9.23
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fly over Medellín Metrocable: Transformation Tour: $10
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $12
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and a Local Guide: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Local History Tour with Graffiti & Snack: $13
- Commune 13 Street Art & Tour Local Guide + Food & Stories: $13
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour With Local Snacks Included: $13
- Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with a Local & Artisan Ice Cream ⭐: $14
- Full Comuna 13 Tour: Graffiti, History and the Famous Comuna 13 Ice Cream: $14
- Medellin Historic Walking Tour: $15
- GRAFITOUR COMUNA 13 more than a tour an EXPERIENCE: $15
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Sembradores De Amor Sightseeing Tour: $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.46
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Barranco Walking Tour with Sunset Option: $5.00
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Miraflores Guided Walking Tour and Surquillo Market Experience: $15
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $25
- Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $29
- Lima Bike Tour Miraflores Pyramid & Bohemian Barranco: $34
- Lima City Tour with Catacombs and Pickup: $35
- Barranco Bike Tour: From Pyramids to Bohemian Streets: $35
- City Tour Panoramic Bus Departure From Larcomar: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMedellin $8.32Lima $6.00
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
- 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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.78
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Beer$4.34
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Cocktail$3.47
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Barranco Bohemian Bar Crawl: 4 Bars & Live Music: $24
- Lima Anti Pub Crawl: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Medellin and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Medellin or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Medellin and Lima, 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.