Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Medellin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Medellin or Ushuaia? 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.
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.
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $23, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Medellin or Ushuaia? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Medellin and Ushuaia, we can see that Medellin is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Medellin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Medellin than you might in Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Medellin Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Medellin and Ushuaia, 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.