🇦🇷 Buenos Aires vs 🇨🇴 Medellín

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇦🇷

Buenos Aires

Argentina

$1,077–$1,705/mo

$1,077,000 – $1,705,000 / month (local)

🇨🇴

Medellín

Colombia

$862–$1,364/mo

$3,591,667 – $5,683,333 / month (local)

Buenos Aires is 25% more expensive

Medellín wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBuenos Aires (USD)Medellín (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$808–$1,256$646–$1,005🟢 Medellín
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$426–$673$341–$538🟢 Medellín
Utilities$34–$65$27–$52🟢 Medellín
Groceries$171–$256$136–$205🟢 Medellín
Eating out (mid-range meal)$22–$40$18–$32🟢 Medellín
Public transport (monthly)$43–$52$34–$41🟢 Medellín
Internet & Mobile$13–$22$11–$18🟢 Medellín
Gym membership$16–$29$13–$23🟢 Medellín
Cinema ticket$6–$8$5–$6🟢 Medellín
Monthly total (single)$1,077–$1,705$862–$1,364🟢 Medellín

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing8.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Safety9.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Healthcare9.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Education8.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Environment9.6 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Economy7.9 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Culture8.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín
Internet8.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Medellín

Who should choose which city?

Choose Buenos Aires if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Buenos Aires offers vs Medellín
  • Culture
  • Steak
  • European feel
  • Remote USD earners

Choose Medellín if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Buenos Aires
  • Spring climate
  • Digital nomads
  • Value
  • Remote work

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Explore Medellín