If you read our previous blog posts, you know that getting into Colombia and up to Medellin did not go as planned. We had to shift our plans pretty significantly, and that impacted our finances for this part of our journey. Beyond the unexpected though, we are learning a lot about prices in Medellin. Here is our Medellin trip cost breakdown. Hopefully this gives you an idea of prices in Medellin and what to expect for your trip to the city of eternal spring.
Lodging
(35 nights, at an average of $61.49/night)
Total: $2,152
- $326 – Airbnb in Laureles, Medellin (7 nights x $47/night)
- $1,826 – Airbnb in El Poblado, Medellin (28 nights x $65/night)
Round-Trip Transportation
Total: $127
- $ 10 – Paperwork to cross border into Colombia
- $ 5 – Uber from bus station to Airbnb
- $112 – Bus, Popayan to Medellin
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Day-to-Day Medellin Trip Cost
Total: $2,357
- Groceries, supplies, and lots of dining out
Touristy Excursions
Total: $501
- $66 – Comuna 13 walking tour, tip, and lunch
- $435 – Full day private tour of Peñol Rock, Guatape, and Lake
Total: $5,278
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Medellin Trip Cost Takeaways…
At face value it would appear that Medellin is more expensive than Quito. If you look a little closer though, you’ll see that on a day-to-day comparison, Medellin was cheaper for us. $135/day to live in Medellin versus $143/day in Quito as we spent over an extra week in Medellin.
Currency in Colombia
The strength of the US Dollar versus the Colombian Peso is significant. Especially in today’s economic climate. In comparison to Quito, we did not experience a break on the cost of accommodations. On the other hand we were able to notch up the frequency and caliber of our dining experiences with no consequential impact. We recently listened to a podcast episode of “Zero to Travel” (January 10, 2023 Episode “Best Remote Work + Digital Nomad Destinations 2023 (and Beyond) with Tim Leffel”), and they discussed how they found that many expats who live in Medellin don’t end up spending less despite the lower cost of living. Instead they spend about the same and upgrade their lifestyle. We unintentionally did just that.
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Lodging
Our main Airbnb in Medellin was so-so; good views and a prime location. That said, it was not kept up well, not super clean, and a bit dated. We liked the actual unit in Quito much better than our place in Medellin and paid over $600 less for it. It did have one less bedroom, but we’re learning that a quality space that we want to spend time in is more valuable to us than extra room to spread out.
Transportation
Transportation expenses to and from Medellin was very low as it only involved a bus, Uber, and some paperwork to cross the border. It would have been an additional $500-$700 if our rental car hadn’t broken down. 🙃
Day-to-Day Medellin Trip Cost
Our day-to-day living costs were elevated this month. The restaurants in Medellin were incredible, and the prices were extremely approachable. Also, the World Cup was going on, it was Christmas, it was New Year’s…. We wanted to be out and about!
Touristy Excursions
For us, there just were not many things to do that peaked our interest in and around Medellin. We only partook in two excursions, and this kept this part of our budget in check this month… so we could eat out more. 😀
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Summary of Medellin Trip Cost
All in all we spent just over $5,000 in a little over a month in Medellin. Not too bad for a family of four eating out at great restaurants almost daily, staying in an upscale neighborhood, and living in a 3-bedroom apartment with spectacular views.
Teaser for next month… Cartagena was the most expensive accommodation that we booked. It is so worth it!
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