Which place is cheaper, Medellin or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Jose or Medellin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose 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: San Jose or Medellin?
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
San Jose Prices
Costa Rica PricesMedellin Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $103Medellin $29
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $103, while the average daily cost in Medellin is $29. 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 San Jose and Medellin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $49Medellin $4.64
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $98Medellin $9.28
Compare Hotels in San Jose and Medellin
Looking for a hotel in San Jose 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: San Jose Hotel Prices and Medellin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19Medellin $4.05
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$25
-
Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: San José Airport to Puerto Viejo / Cahuita : $275
- Private Transfer: San José Hotels to SJO Airport: $95
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $185
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $205
- Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer: $112
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $262
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $209
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $196
- Direct transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, English Speaking Driver: $167
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $143
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $76
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $105
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Medellin:
-
Taxi$1.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:
- Transfer from or to Medellin's airport: $65
- Transfer from Medellin - Airport OR from Airport - Medellin: $49
- Transfer airport JMC - Medellin or vice versa - Private : $39
- Seamless Transfer: JMC (MDE) Airport ↔ El Peñol & Guatapé: $289
- Private tour transfer from Medellin to JMC airport, or: $25
- Private Transfer from Medellín City to José María Córdova (MDE) Airport: $69
- Private Transfer from MDE Airport to Hotels and City of Medellín: $49
- Private Transfer Jose Marie Cordova Airport to Medellin Bello: $100
- Private Transfer José María Cordova Airport in Medellín: $38
- Private Round Transfer to Guatape lakes and Penol rock!: $239
- Private Medellin MDE airport pick up transfer service one way: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Medellín Hotels : $67
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or Medellin?
Prices for flights to both Medellin and San Jose 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 daySan Jose $31Medellin $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets: $29
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $59
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $78
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $113
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Typical Food Prices in Medellin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Medellin:
-
Lunch$2.05
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
- Private Empanada Cooking Class in Guatape: $30
- A night in Medellín: food tour and bars in El Poblado!: $32
- Laureles Food Tour: $35
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art and Street Food Tour: $38
- Food tour with 12 tastings in the best area of Medellin: $40
- Medellín: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings (El Poblado): $56
- Private Night City Tour on Electric Bicycle + Gourmet Dinner: $59
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Medellin Night E-Bike Tour with Gourmet Dinner Included: $60
- Community project cooking class and Medellin social transformation tour: $64
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21Medellin $12
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Audio Walking Tour of San Jose Highlights: $4.62
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Guided Tour of Cheese in Canaan de Rivas: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Experience: Night Experience in the Jungle.: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- Sarapiqui Rainforest Night Walk : Wildlife & Adventure.: $35
Tours and Activities in Medellin
Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Atv or quats Tour adventure Quads tour in MEDELLÍN : $90
- Comuna 13 + Medellin City Tour: $251
- Historical Tour in Pablo Escobar : $35
- Medellin City Private Tour: $85
- 2 Day Private Jardin Tour with Activities from Medellin: $260
- 2 Days Medellin autentic Coffee Farm Experience : $225
- 2 Hour Medellin Off Road ATV Experiences: $160
- 2-Hours Street Art Walking Tour in Medellin Comuna 13: $24
- 4-Hour Medellin, Envigado & Sabaneta Three County Tour: $79
- 4x4 ATV Adventure from Medellin with Scenic Views, Lunch & Pickup: $120
- 5-Hour Coffee and Pablo Express Mix Tour in Medellín: $140
- 9-Hour Full Day Tour of Pablo Escobar Including C13, Museum and Barrio PE: $245
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16Medellin $7.04
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Exclusive Pub Crawl in San Jose : $30
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $39
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
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
- Medellin Pub Crawl in El Poblado with Drinks Games and VIP: $12
- Guided Medellin Pub Crawl: $18
- The Medellin Pub Crawl: $20
- Rooftop Bar Crawl with VIP Access & Hidden Clubs: $27
- Live the Nightlife Rooftop Pub Crawl : $49
- Medellín Nightlife: Rooftop Bar Crawl: $85
- Night Out Gay Bar Crawl in Medellin: $130
- 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 San Jose and Medellin, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. And not only is Medellin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America and Medellin 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 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 San Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 San Jose Expensive? and Is Medellin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or Medellin?
Medellin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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.