Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Medellin 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: Montevideo or Medellin?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Medellin $34
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $34. 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 Montevideo and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38Medellin $5.48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Medellin $11
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Medellin? 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.02Medellin $4.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $70
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $41
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared One-Way Transfer: Airport ↔ Hotel: $49
- Private & Exclusive Transfer MVD Airport, Port or Hotel: $144
- Private Transfer Montevideo to José Ignacio: $128
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $82
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport to Montevideo: $40
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $40
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $78
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:
- Medellín: 5-Day Luxury Tour with Private Transfers: $1,599
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $560
- Medellín Platinum Pack: Transfers + Hotel + Exclusive Tours: $250
- Private Round Transfer to Guatape lakes and Penol rock!: $239
- AIRPORT TRANSFER MEDELLIN JMC (MDE) Airport to El Peñol & Guatapé: $229
- Medellín: Comuna 13, Graffiti Workshop, Guide and Transfers: $206
- Medellin Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $203
- Minibus Departure Transfer from Medellin to Medellin Airport MDE: $171
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer from Medellin Airport to City by Sedan: $151
- Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel: $132
- Medellín: Santa Elena Coffee Farm Tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $22Medellin $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Best Montevideo Street Food Tour With 5 tastings: $63
- Private Uruguayan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
- Uruguayan Wine Pairing Dinner at City Winery Uruguay: $90
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- Dinner and Tango Show at Primuseum Restaurant: $100
- Dinner and Tango Show at the Historic Bar Fun Fun, Established in 1895: $100
- Montevideo Dinner and Tango Show since 1895: $105
- Traditional Dinner & Tango Show at Primuseum: $110
- Food Tour with Asado, Chivito, and Mate: $221
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Medellin $15
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.29
- El Juguetero Museum Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Guided Tour of the National Hat Factory: $10
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
- Experience the Local Magic at a Bohemian Nightclub with a Live Show: $20
- Montevideo Full Unique Tour Includes Barrio Carrasco: $23
- Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
- Montevideo Jogging Tour: $25
- Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo: $25
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 Private Jardin Tour with Activities from Medellin: $260
- 2-Hours Street Art Walking Tour in Medellin Comuna 13: $24
- 3 Secret Viewpoints of Medellin + Picacho + Neighborhood: Nighttime Experience: $147
- 3 in 1 Tours in City Tour, Comuna 13 and Graffiti Tour: $49
- 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Medellin: $59
- 4-Hour Medellin, Envigado & Sabaneta Three County Tour: $79
- 5-Hour Coffee and Pablo Express Mix Tour in Medellín: $155
- 90 Minute Walking Tour of Guatapé: $16
- A Taste of Colombia Medellin Market Tour and Lunch: $49
- ATV Adventure in Medellin's Mountains: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Medellin $8.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Bodega Pizzorno wine tasting in Montevideo: $45
- Wine tasting of 4 wines from 4 wineries & empanadas in Montevideo: $50
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $220
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Medellin, we can see that Montevideo 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo 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 Montevideo Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Medellin?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Medellin, 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.