Should I Visit Medellin or Bogota for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

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• Which is Cheaper, Medellin or Bogota? (Travel Cost Comparison)
• Which is Bigger, Medellin or Bogota?

Should you visit Medellin or Bogota?

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

Should I visit Medellin or Bogota? 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: Medellin or Bogota?

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.

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Colombia.

Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Medellin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Medellin Prices
  Colombia Prices

  Bogota Prices
  Colombia Prices

• Average Daily CostPer person, per day

  Medellin$22

  Bogota$50

The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $22, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $50. 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 Medellin and Bogota in more detail.

Accommodation

• AccommodationHotel or hostel for one person

  Medellin$4.53

  Bogota$25

• AccommodationTypical double-occupancy room

  See Also

  Bogota vs Medellin: The Ultimate DecisionMedellín or Bogotá: which city is for you?Bogota Vs Medellin: Which City Is Better? (Updated 2024)Which City Is Worth Visiting More? – LivingOutLau

  Medellin$9.06

  Bogota$50

Compare Hotels in Medellin and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Medellin or Bogota? 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:Medellin Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

• Local TransportationTaxis, local buses, subway, etc.

  Medellin$3.95

  Bogota$8.37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Medellin

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

• Taxi

  $1.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Medellin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Medellin:

• Transfer in Private Car from Guatape- Medellin airport (MDE):$44
• Transfer Private Car from Medellin city - Medellin Airport (MDE):$22
• Transfer José María Córdova Airport - Medellin - Private Ride Airport .. !!:$45
• Transfer JMC airport - Medellin or Medellin - JMC airport - Private!!:$39
• Santa Marta Airport to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer :$12
• Private transfer service from or to Medellín Airport:$42
• Private Transfer from Medellín City to José María Córdova (MDE) Airport:$65
• Private Transfer Aerop Jose Maria Cordova - Up to 3 people:$33
• Private Medellín Hotel to Airport transfer service:$35
• PRIVATE Transfer Jose Maria Cordova Airport - Up to 13 People:$119
• Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) to Medellin -Arrival Private Transfer:$28
• Minibus Departure Transfer from Medellin to Medellin Airport MDE:$182

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:

• Taxi from Airport

  $7.22

• Taxi Ride

  $0.38

  See Also

  Medellin vs. Bogota: Our Surprising Recommendation

• 2 Bus Passes

  $0.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Business Car:$119
• Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus:$124
• Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minivan:$89
• Arrival Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota by MiniSuv:$66
• Bogotá Graffiti Bike Tour - No Transfers:$80
• Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer:$167
• Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer:$167
• Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer:$25
• Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer:$50
• Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Business Car:$119
• Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van:$134
• Departure Private Transfer from Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Minivan:$89

Is it cheaper to fly into Medellin or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota and Medellin 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

• FoodMeals for one day

  Medellin$9.17

  Bogota$13

Typical Food Prices in Medellin

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

• Lunch

  $2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Medellin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Medellin.

• Cooking Class Preparing Colombian Empanadas:$12
• Street Food Tour in Medellín with 10 + Tastings in El Poblado:$45
• Sabaneta and Envigado Best Local Food Tour from Medellin:$99
• Combo Tour: Street Art, Christmas Lights and Food Tour in Medellin:$139
• Full Day Private Medellin City, Street Art and Food Tour:$145
• Medellin tour with Fernando Botero´s, street art and food tour:$145
• Medellin City Tour Including The History of Tango and Lunch or Dinner:$145
• Medellin Historical and Food Tour with Fernando Botero´s Plaza:$149
• Best Food Tour and Horseback Adventure in Medellin:$163
• Private tour: Medellin City – Pablo Escobar and Food Tour:$175
• Combo Tour: Dark days & Christmas tour Including Lunch or Dinner:$175
• Market Tour, Cooking Class in Medellin with a Colombian Chef:$178

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

• Breakfast

  $1.50

• Hot Dog

  $0.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center:$13
• Street Food Tour in Bogotá with Tastings:$45
• Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings:$49
• PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax:$55
• Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria:$61
• Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC:$100
• Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota:$135

Entertainment

• EntertainmentEntrance tickets, shows, etc.

  Medellin$12

  Bogota$13

Tours and Activities in Medellin

Here are a few actual costs in Medellin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• Medellin City Private Tour:$83
• Medellin City Walking Tour plus Metro Cable Cars:$83
• 1 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in Medellin :$140
• 2-Hours Street Art Walking Tour in Medellin Comuna 13:$24
• 3 Towns Colonial Private Tour Leaving from Medellin:$130
• 4 Hours Private Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour:$60
• 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:$165
• AMAZING Paragliding + Lunch Tour Near Medellin Antioquia:$155
• ATV Private Tour in Medellin:$145
• ATV Quad Tour from Medellin with Transportation :$132
• ATV Tour 3 Mountains Medellin:$170

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:

• Beer

  $1.25

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• Theatron Party-Tour, 19 Clubs, Map, co*cktail, bottle, After-party:$5.00
• Party Tour: 6 nightclubs, Disco-Truck, After Party, 1h openbar.:$5.00
• Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour:$5.99
• Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II:$6.99
• Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I :$6.99
• Ghost Tour Bogotá/ Tour de fantasmas bogotá :$9.45
• Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá:$12
• Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City:$13
• Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá:$13
• Walking Tour through Candelaria:$14
• Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá:$14
• Original virtual coffee experience with coffee producer:$15

Alcohol

• AlcoholDrinks for one day

  Medellin$6.88

  Bogota$13

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
• Medellin Private Bar Crawl:$125

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

• Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá Colombia:$25
• Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá Colombia:$25
• Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews :$103

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Medellin or Bogota?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Medellin. When comparing the sizes of Medellin and Bogota, 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.