🇨🇴 Medellín vs 🇺🇸 San Francisco

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇴

Medellín

Colombia

$862–$1,364/mo

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

🇺🇸

San Francisco

United States

$3,385–$5,359/mo

$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)

San Francisco is 293% more expensive

Medellín wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMedellín (USD)San Francisco (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$646–$1,005$2,538–$3,949🟢 Medellín
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$341–$538$1,340–$2,115🟢 Medellín
Utilities$27–$52$106–$204🟢 Medellín
Groceries$136–$205$536–$804🟢 Medellín
Eating out (mid-range meal)$18–$32$71–$127🟢 Medellín
Public transport (monthly)$34–$41$134–$162🟢 Medellín
Internet & Mobile$11–$18$42–$71🟢 Medellín
Gym membership$13–$23$49–$92🟢 Medellín
Cinema ticket$5–$6$20–$25🟢 Medellín
Monthly total (single)$862–$1,364$3,385–$5,359🟢 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

Housing7.6 / 10 · 2.2 / 10
Medellín▲ better
San Francisco
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco
Economy7.0 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco
Internet8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Medellín
San Francisco

Who should choose which city?

Choose Medellín if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
  • Spring climate
  • Digital nomads
  • Value
  • Remote work

Choose San Francisco if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Medellín
  • Tech salaries
  • Innovation
  • Climate
  • Tech workers

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Full Medellín guide

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Full San Francisco guide

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