A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. Medellin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or Medellin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Medellin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Salto or Medellin?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Medellin or Salto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $85, 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 Salto and Medellin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $29
    Medellin $4.91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $58
    Medellin $9.82
Compare Hotels in Salto and Medellin

Looking for a hotel in Salto 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.

Hotels in Salto


Hotels in Medellin


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $21
    Medellin $4.28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:


  • Taxi
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:

  • Airport Transfers Medellín (per way): $50
  • Guatapé Private Transfer: José María Córdova Airport: $54
  • Guatapé and Piedra del Penol, Lunch Transfers and Guide: $127
  • Medellín - Arboletes, Antioquia Transfer by Van: $50
  • Medellín Airport Private Transfer Service (Departure): $35
  • Medellín Highlights: with local guide and transfers from hotel: $132
  • Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $73
  • Medellín to or from Guatapé Private Transfer: $78
  • Medellín: Guatapé and Medellín City Door-to-Door Transfer: $93
  • Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer: $33
  • Medellín: Private Airport Transfer: $35
  • Medellín: Santa Elena Coffee Farm Tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Medellin?

Prices for flights to both Medellin and Salto 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
    Salto $41
    Medellin $17

Typical Food Prices in Medellin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:


  • 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
  • Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
  • Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $45
  • 4hr Cooking Class in Medellín with Traditional Recipes and Drinks: $55
  • Medellín: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings (El Poblado): $56
  • Cooking Class Preparing Colombian Empanadas: $56
  • Colombia Inspired Food Tour: $59
  • Private Night City Tour on Electric Bicycle + Gourmet Dinner: $59
  • Gastronomy and Street Food Tour in Sabaneta Colombia Experience: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $17
    Medellin $13

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
  • 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 Medellin's Violence & Post-conflict after Pablo: $12
  • Shared Tour Poblado, Provenza & Manila Districts: $12
  • Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour Through Color, Snacks & History: $12
  • Shared Tour of Medellin's Historic & Cultural Downtown: $12
  • Complete Tour in Comuna 13: Graffiti, History and Street Delights: $13
  • Medellín: Comuna 13 and Graffiti Guided Tour with a Local: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Medellin $7.46

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
  • Medellin Pub Crawl Including Food and City Tour: $175
  • Medellín Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Medellin, we can see that Salto 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 Salto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salto 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 Salto Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salto or Medellin?

Medellin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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.