Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $105Medellin $23
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $23. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Medellin $4.75
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Medellin $9.50
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.97Medellin $4.14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Taxi Ride$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $467
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $467
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $107
- Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Angra dos Reis by Sedan Car: $116
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Buzios by Minivan: $205
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio Airports to Buzios by Sedan Car: $121
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Sedan Car: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Rio de Janeiro Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro: $89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
-
Taxi$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Airport Transfers : $120
- Arrival Private Transfer from Medellin Airport to City by MiniSuv: $98
- Arrival Transfer Medellin Airport MDE to Medellin City by Minivan: $129
- Medellín Airport shuttle - Airport Transfer: $25
- Medellín Private Transfer from Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport to Medellín City: $44
- Medellin Airport (EOH) to Medellin hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $55
- Medellin Airport (MDE) to Downtown hotels - Arrival Transfer: $21
- Medellin hotels to Medellin Airport (EOH) - Departure Transfer: $27
- Medellin to Olaya Herrera Airport(EOH)-Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Minibus Departure Transfer from Medellin to Medellin Airport MDE: $182
- Night-time Private transfer service from or to Medellín Airport: $47
- Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) to Medellin -Arrival Private Transfer: $27
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
-
Food Meals for one dayRio de Janeiro $20Medellin $9.61
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Popcorn$0.59
-
Corn on the Cob$0.78
-
Hamburger$0.98
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.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $45
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $71
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $81
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
- Samba Show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner : $143
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro: $196
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
-
Lunch$2.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.
- Homemade Paisa Dinner at a Local's Home in Medellín: $69
- Homemade Paisa Dinner at a Local's Home in Medellín: $71
- Sabor Colombiano Cooking Studio: $100
- Combo Tour: Street Art, Christmas Lights and Food Tour in Medellin: $131
- Comuna 13, Fruit & Street Food Tour: $166
- Private tour: Medellin City – Pablo Escobar and Food Tour: $166
- Combo Tour: Metro System, Christmas Lights and Food Tour of Medellin: $166
- A Night Out in Medellin with Dinner and Drinks Included: $175
- ATV Adventure Including Medellin City and Food Tour: $185
Entertainment
-
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:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.83
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $9.97
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Skip the Line: Museum of Antioquia Admission Ticket: $7.20
- Comuna 13 GraffiTour with Spray Painting and Typical Food C13: $11
- Graffitour Medellín: History, Transformation and Overcoming": $13
- Post-conflict and Violence Tour (after Pablo) in Medellin: $13
- Shared Tour of the Historical and Cultural Center of Medellín: $13
- GRAFITOUR COMUNA 13 more than a tour an EXPERIENCE: $15
- Walking Historical tour of Medellín, walking reality.: $15
- 90 Minute Walking Tour of Guatapé: $16
- From violence to innovation (Virtual Guided Tour): $19
- Comuna 13 History and Graffiti Tour with Cable Car: $20
- Storytellers Tours: $21
- Comuna 13 graffiti Tour in Medellin: $22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Medellin $7.21
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 in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $27
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $129
Sample the Local Flavors in Medellin
Also in Medellin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl Nightlife in Medellin: $41
- All-Inclusive Comuna 13 Nightlife Bar Crawl with Locals: $130
- Medellin Pub Crawl Including Food and City Tour: $139
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.