Colombia
Cost of living in Medellín
Medellín is the capital of Antioquia and Colombia's second-largest city, set in the Aburrá Valley at about 1,500 m. It is the only Colombian city with a metro, linked to cable cars that climb the valley slopes.
What it costs to live in Medellín
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, Medellín comes to an estimated $1,180 a month: the 13th lowest of 19 cities and 10% above the median of this dataset ($1,073). Rent makes up 49% of the total. Compared with the median city, you would spend more on transport, coworking and entertainment.
| Lifestyle | Room | 1-bed apartment | Family apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $550 | $815 | $1,200 |
| Average | $875 | $1,180 | $1,660 |
| Comfortable | $1,300 | $1,640 | $2,305 |
Every figure is a modeled estimate in US dollars, not an individually observed price. Q1–Q2 2026 data, not re-verified since. Methodology
Your budget in Medellín
Adjust the household, lifestyle and any category.
Monthly breakdown by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle. Median = the middle city of all 19.
| Category | Medellín | % of total | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $580 | 49% | $540 |
| Groceries | $220 | 19% | $200 |
| Transport | $50 | 4% | $40 |
| Utilities | $60 | 5% | $58 |
| Internet | $30 | 3% | $28 |
| Coworking | $120 | 10% | $100 |
| Entertainment | $120 | 10% | $100 |
| Total per month | $1,180 | 100% | $1,073 |
Housing in Medellín
Before signing, always ask about the deposit, any rent paid in advance, whether a guarantor is required and who pays utilities and building fees. These terms vary between landlords and are not fixed legal requirements.
Moving to Medellín
Visa and residency rules in Colombia depend on your nationality and circumstances. Always check the official website of Colombia's migration authority or its nearest consulate. Nothing on this page is legal advice.