A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Bogota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Riga or Bogota?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Riga 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: Riga or Bogota?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Riga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Bogota is €48. 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 Riga and Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Bogota 24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Bogota 48
Compare Hotels in Riga and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Riga 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.

Hotels in Riga


Hotels in Bogota


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: Riga Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Bogota 8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $269
  • Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $139
  • Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $108
  • Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $132
  • Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $53
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
  • Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $53
  • Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
  • Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
  • Riga Airport Transfer: $33
  • Riga - Tallin: Transfer and Tour through beautiful landmarks: $490

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    6.90
  • Taxi Ride
    0.36
  • 2 Bus Passes
    0.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
  • Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $15
  • Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
  • Private Bogota airport pick up transfer service: $20
  • Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
  • Premium Private Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Bogota Hotels: $21
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Bogotá Hotels : $31
  • Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota and Riga 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 day
    Riga 33
    Bogota 12
Typical Food Prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Unique Food Tour: $52
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $97
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
  • Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
  • Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $139
  • Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $140
  • Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $153

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    1.43
  • Hot Dog
    0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Bogota 12

Tours and Activities in Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • The best of Bauska walking tour: $75
  • 1 Day Riga Sightseeing Red Bus Grand Tour: $27
  • 2 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale : $241
  • 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $41
  • 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $82
  • ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $142
  • Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $65
  • Baltic Treasures Tour: Hill of Crosses, Rundale & Bauska: $153
  • Beer Bike Experience : $36
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour: $182
  • Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems: $66
  • City:canal:tour: $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    1.20

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Party Tour: 6 nightclubs, Disco-Truck, After Party, 2 openbars: $2.95
  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Monserrate Regular Tickets: $11
  • Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $12
  • Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City: $13
  • Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $14
  • Alternative tour of Bogotá: gastronomic and cultural: $19
  • Bike Tour through Bogotá: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Bogota 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $38
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
  • Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $97
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $103
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $526
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,341

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Bogota, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Bogota is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Bogota.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Riga or Bogota?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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.


When is the best time to visit Riga or Bogota?

Riga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Bogota in the Summer?

Both Bogota and Riga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.

In July, Riga is generally a little warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Riga or Bogota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Bogota. Many visitors come to Riga in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Riga is much colder than Bogota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Bogota. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Riga or Bogota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Riga as well as Bogota. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

Riga can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Bogota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in January than Bogota. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Riga or Bogota in the Spring?

Both Bogota and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Riga is generally much colder than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Bogota. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Bogota 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bogota and Riga

Riga Bogota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)