Cost of Living in Medellín
Colombia
Monthly budget (single)
$862–$1,364/month
$3,591,667 – $5,683,333 (local currency)
Last updated: 2026-03
Can you afford to live in Medellín?
Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $646–$1,005 | $2,691,667 – $4,187,500 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $341–$538 | $1,420,833 – $2,241,667 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | $27–$52 | $112,500 – $216,667 |
| Internet & Mobile | $11–$18 | $45,833 – $75,000 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $136–$205 | $566,667 – $854,167 |
| Eating out (per meal, mid-range) | $18–$32 | $75,000 – $133,333 |
| Coffee | $1–$2 | $4,167 – $8,333 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $34–$41 | $141,667 – $170,833 |
| Gym membership | $13–$23 | $54,167 – $95,833 |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$6 | $20,833 – $25,000 |
Budget scenarios
Single
$862–$1,364/mo USD
$3,591,667 – $5,683,333
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$1,005/mo
- Groceries: ~$205/mo
- Transport: ~$41/mo
Couple
$1,364–$2,082/mo USD
$5,683,333 – $8,675,000
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$1,005/mo
- Groceries: ~$205/mo
- Transport: ~$41/mo
Family
$1,974–$3,051/mo USD
$8,225,000 – $12,712,500
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$1,005/mo
- Groceries: ~$205/mo
- Transport: ~$41/mo
Neighbourhood guide
Medellín Center
CentralUrban core, transit access
Est. 1-bed rent: $808–$1,256/mo ($3,366,667 – $5,233,333)
Medellín Midtown
CentralMixed residential
Est. 1-bed rent: $711–$1,106/mo ($2,962,500 – $4,608,333)
Medellín Outer
SuburbanQuieter, family-friendly
Est. 1-bed rent: $517–$804/mo ($2,154,167 – $3,350,000)
Quality of life scores
Pros & cons
✅ Pros
- • Spring climate
- • Digital nomads
- • Value
❌ Cons
- • Safety pockets
- • Steep hills
Similar cities & cheaper alternatives
Similar cities
Cheaper alternatives
Compare Medellín with another city
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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.