Comparison
Medellín vs Bogotá: cost of living compared
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Bogotá costs 6% more than Medellín: $1,255 against $1,180 a month, a difference of $75.
Data period: Q1–Q2 2026Status: modeled estimate
Category by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle.
| Category | Medellín | Bogotá | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $580 | $620 | +$40 |
| Groceries | $220 | $230 | +$10 |
| Transport | $50 | $50 | — |
| Utilities | $60 | $65 | +$5 |
| Internet | $30 | $30 | — |
| Coworking | $120 | $130 | +$10 |
| Entertainment | $120 | $130 | +$10 |
| Total per month | $1,180 | $1,255 | +$75 |
The category that separates the two cities most is rent: $580 in Medellín and $620 in Bogotá, which is $40 of the $75 gap. Medellín has an equal or lower estimate in every category.
Other households and lifestyles
| Scenario | Medellín | Bogotá | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal · Room | $550 | $580 | +$30 |
| Frugal · 1-bed apartment | $815 | $870 | +$55 |
| Average · 1-bed apartment | $1,180 | $1,255 | +$75 |
| Comfortable · 1-bed apartment | $1,640 | $1,765 | +$125 |
| Average · Family apartment | $1,660 | $1,780 | +$120 |
| Comfortable · Family apartment | $2,305 | $2,460 | +$155 |
Currency and exchange rates
Colombia uses the Colombian peso; figures are converted to dollars at the exchange rate of the data period.
A lower cost is not the same as a better fit. These figures do not measure housing quality, climate, safety or work opportunities.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Medellín or Bogotá?
In our data, Medellín has the lower estimated total in the main scenario: $1,180 against $1,255 a month. Cost is not the whole decision: climate, visas, work and neighborhood matter too.
How much is rent in Medellín and Bogotá?
A 1-bed apartment is estimated at $420 to $800 in Medellín, and $460 to $880 in Bogotá, depending on lifestyle.