Comparison
Quito vs Medellín: cost of living compared
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Medellín costs 20% more than Quito: $1,180 against $985 a month, a difference of $195.
Data period: Q1–Q2 2026Status: modeled estimate
Category by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle.
| Category | Quito | Medellín | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $480 | $580 | +$100 |
| Groceries | $190 | $220 | +$30 |
| Transport | $40 | $50 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $55 | $60 | +$5 |
| Internet | $30 | $30 | — |
| Coworking | $100 | $120 | +$20 |
| Entertainment | $90 | $120 | +$30 |
| Total per month | $985 | $1,180 | +$195 |
The category that separates the two cities most is rent: $480 in Quito and $580 in Medellín, which is $100 of the $195 gap. Quito has an equal or lower estimate in every category.
Other households and lifestyles
| Scenario | Quito | Medellín | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal · Room | $440 | $550 | +$110 |
| Frugal · 1-bed apartment | $685 | $815 | +$130 |
| Average · 1-bed apartment | $985 | $1,180 | +$195 |
| Comfortable · 1-bed apartment | $1,385 | $1,640 | +$255 |
| Average · Family apartment | $1,405 | $1,660 | +$255 |
| Comfortable · Family apartment | $1,925 | $2,305 | +$380 |
Currency and exchange rates
Ecuador uses the US dollar, so there is no exchange-rate risk for people earning in dollars.
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 Quito or Medellín?
In our data, Quito has the lower estimated total in the main scenario: $985 against $1,180 a month. Cost is not the whole decision: climate, visas, work and neighborhood matter too.
How much is rent in Quito and Medellín?
A 1-bed apartment is estimated at $350 to $680 in Quito, and $420 to $800 in Medellín, depending on lifestyle.