Medellín
New York

Medellín vs New York — Cost of Living Comparison

Medellín
Colombia
VS
New York
United States
Estimated average living costs are ~500% lower in Medellín

Medellín

$700

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,500,000

Safety

42/100

Quality

52/100

Cost
26
Safety
42
Life
52

New York

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,336,817

Safety

55/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
100
Safety
55
Life
62

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~500% lower in Medellín

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Medellín

$700

estimated per month

New York

$4,200

estimated per month

Difference

+500.0%

Monthly savings

$3,500

Yearly savings

$42,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$450,000

+$375,000/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$3,450.00
+666.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00$2,200.00
+685.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$850.00$6,500.00
+664.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$520.00$3,800.00
+630.8%
ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$25.00
+614.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00$110.00
+400.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$12.00
+118.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.95$1.45
+52.6%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.00$4.20
+320.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$5.50
+511.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.60$4.80
+200.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$14.50
+281.6%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$6.20
+210.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80$2.10
+162.5%
ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$28.00$132.00
+371.4%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.70$2.90
+314.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.90$3.50
+288.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.55$2.20
+300.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.70$1.05
+50.0%
ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$55.00$190.00
+245.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00$55.00
+358.3%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$22.00$68.00
+209.1%
ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$18.00$250.00
+1288.9%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$15.00$200.00
+1233.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$6.00$55.00
+816.7%
ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00$95.00
+280.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00$18.00
+350.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.80$5.50
+205.6%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.00$9.00
+350.0%
ItemMedellínNew YorkDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$35.00$55.00
+57.1%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00$42.00
+110.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$55.00$95.00
+72.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Medellín vs New York

Is Medellín or New York more expensive?
New York is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 100 compared with 26 for Medellín.
How much cheaper is Medellín than New York?
Living in Medellín is around 74% cheaper than New York, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Medellín and New York?
Medellín scores 26 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while New York scores 100 — where New York City equals 100.