Which place is cheaper, Cochabamba or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdivia or Cochabamba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdivia or Cochabamba? 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: Valdivia or Cochabamba?
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
Cochabamba
With a population of about 630,000, Cochabamba is the fourth largest city in Bolivia. It's located about 240 kilometers from the capital city of La Paz and is surrounded by mountains, but sits within a valley.
The city is known for its gardens and has many sights to offer the visitor. Cochabamba offers a calming retreat that is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of many South American cities. It's a great location to learn Spanish and there are plenty of activities and cultural events that you can enjoy in and around town.
Cochabamba's climate is semi-arid. There is an extended dry season between May and October and the wet season is from November to March. The days are warm and the nights are cool.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Bolivia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdivia $69Cochabamba $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, while the average daily cost in Cochabamba is $63. 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 Valdivia and Cochabamba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40Cochabamba $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80Cochabamba $50
Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Cochabamba
Looking for a hotel in Valdivia or Cochabamba? 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: Valdivia Hotel Prices and Cochabamba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08Cochabamba $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cochabamba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cochabamba:
- Airport - Hotels transfer Service 24/7: $28
- MiniVan or Bus Transfer from Cochabamba Airport CBB to Cochabamba: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Cochabamba?
Prices for flights to both Cochabamba and Valdivia 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 dayValdivia $21Cochabamba $22
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdivia $13Cochabamba $25
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Private City Tour: $90
Tours and Activities in Cochabamba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cochabamba are as follows:
- Parque Nacional Torotoro Tour 2 Días y 1 Noche : $228
- Tigre & Delta River Cruise - half day tour from Buenos Aires: $72
- Tour to Valle Alto (Tarata): $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdivia $4.79Cochabamba $15
When comparing the travel costs between Valdivia and Cochabamba, we can see that Valdivia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdivia Expensive? and Is Cochabamba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Cochabamba?
Cochabamba has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Cochabamba, 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.