Medellín vs Brasília
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brasília is ~6% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Medellín
Colombia
COL+Rent
19.1
Rent Index
8.9
Groceries
30.2
Restaurant
24
Brasília
Brazil
COL+Rent
17.9
Rent Index
7.2
Groceries
28.5
Restaurant
23.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Medellín | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $332 | $302 | +$30 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $217 | $191 | +$26 |
| Groceries | $198 | $185 | +$13 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $8 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $27 | $38 | $11 |
| Utilities | $43 | $48 | $5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Medellín | Brasília |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $454/mo | $439/mo |
| Typical | $705/mo | $693/mo |
| Comfortable | $899/mo | $895/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Medellín | ≈ in Brasília | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,406/mo | -$94 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,874/mo | -$126 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,812/mo | -$188 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Medellín vs Brasília for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Brasília is approximately 6% more affordable than Medellín when combining rent and daily living costs. Medellín's COL+Rent Index of 19.1 vs Brasília's 17.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Medellín costs $332/month versus $302/month in Brasília — giving Brasília a $30/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Medellín ($198/mo) vs Brasília ($185/mo) reflect Brasília's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $8 show Brasília offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Brasília offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $693 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.