Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro or Medellin?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $122Medellin $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $122, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $31. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $67Medellin $4.91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $134Medellin $9.82
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $8.10Medellin $4.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $112
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $111
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $135
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $73
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Armored Car Airport Transfer Service: $190
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $127
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $67
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $136
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
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Taxi$1.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Airport Transfers: $120
- Airport Transfers Medellín (per way): $50
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $167
- Guatapé Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $48
- Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $50
- Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $35
- Medellín Private Transfer from Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport to Medellín City: $47
- Medellín Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $31
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
- Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $73
- Medellín: Guatapé and Medellín City Door-to-Door Transfer: $93
- Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $35Medellin $17
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.60
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks: $0.20
- Rio's Vegan Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Afro-Brazilian Street Food Tour: $61
- Scenarium Nightclub Entry with Dinner Option: $64
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $68
- Feijoada Food Tour with Transfers: $72
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner n Rio with Wine Pairing: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings & a Secret Dish: $80
- Rio: Roxy Dinner Show – Aquele Abraço Show Ticket: $81
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$2.17
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: $11
- Medellín: Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13: $19
- A night in Medellín: food tour and bars in El Poblado!: $32
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $38
- Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13 (Small Groups): $39
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $45
- Street Food Tour in Medellín with Tastings: $55
- Medellín: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings (El Poblado): $56
- Cooking Class Preparing Colombian Empanadas: $56
- Private Night City Tour on Electric Bicycle + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $22Medellin $13
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.57
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.43
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.29
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Free walking tour around Histórico Rio Downtow and Lapa: $12
- Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket: $18
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Electric Bicycle Tour of Guatapé: $7.98
- History and Street Art Tour in Comuna 13: $8.00
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Snacks and a Local Guide: $9.75
- Medellín: Comuna 13 and Graffiti Walking Tour with Snacks: $10
- Medellin Historic Walking Tour: $11
- Entry Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art of Medellin: $11
- Medellín: Explore Downtown And Live The Real City Experience: $11
- Shared Tour of Medellin's Historic & Cultural Downtown: $12
- Shared Tour Poblado, Provenza & Manila Districts: $12
- Shared Tour Medellin's Violence & Post-conflict after Pablo: $12
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour Through Color, Snacks & History: $12
- Complete Tour in Comuna 13: Graffiti, History and Street Delights: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Medellin $7.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub crawl at clubs and bars in Copacabana. Live music, shots and more: $19
- Rio: The madness is here. Fun pub crawl in Lapa: $25
- Rio: More than a Pub Crawl - an authentic nighttime experience: $27
- Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal. Night with live music, dancing, shots: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal w/ live samba and caipirinhas: $30
- Rio: Botafogo Bar Crawl - Eat & Drink like a Local: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $39
- Lapa Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $41
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl in El Poblado with Drinks, Games and VIP: $7.50
- Guided Medellin Pub Crawl: $18
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Medellín Nightlife: Rooftop Bar Crawl: $85
- Medellin Private Bar Crawl: $145
- NightOUT Medellin Gay Bar Crawl: $150
- Medellin LGBTQ Rooftop Bar Crawl: $150
- Medellín Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Medellin, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Medellin?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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.