🇵🇪 Lima vs 🇨🇴 Medellín
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇪
Lima
Peru
$1,108–$1,754/mo
S/4,104 – S/6,496 / month (local)
🇨🇴
Medellín
Colombia
$862–$1,364/mo
$3,591,667 – $5,683,333 / month (local)
Lima is 29% more expensive
Medellín wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lima (USD) | Medellín (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $831–$1,292 | $646–$1,005 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $438–$692 | $341–$538 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Utilities | $35–$67 | $27–$52 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Groceries | $175–$263 | $136–$205 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $23–$42 | $18–$32 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Public transport (monthly) | $44–$53 | $34–$41 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Internet & Mobile | $14–$23 | $11–$18 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Gym membership | $16–$30 | $13–$23 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $5–$6 | 🟢 Medellín |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,108–$1,754 | $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
Housing7.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Lima
Medellín▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Economy7.0 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Internet8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Lima
Medellín
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lima if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lima offers vs Medellín
- ✓Food scene
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓History
- ✓Mining services
Choose Medellín if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lima
- ✓Spring climate
- ✓Digital nomads
- ✓Value
- ✓Remote work
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Full Lima guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lima →📊
Full Medellín guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Medellín →