City Comparison
Medellín vs Cali
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Cali is ~13% 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
Cali
Colombia
COL+Rent
16.7
Rent Index
7.4
Groceries
26.9
Restaurant
21
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Medellín | Cali | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $332 | $275 | +$57 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $217 | $180 | +$37 |
| Groceries | $198 | $176 | +$22 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $7 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $27 | $24 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $43 | $38 | +$5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Medellín | Cali |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $454/mo | $393/mo |
| Typical | $705/mo | $618/mo |
| Comfortable | $899/mo | $799/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Medellín | ≈ in Cali | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,312/mo | -$188 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,749/mo | -$251 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,623/mo | -$377 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medellín or Cali cheaper to live in?
Cali is approximately 13% cheaper overall. Medellín's COL+Rent Index is 19.1 vs Cali's 16.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Medellín vs Cali?
A 1BR in Medellín city center costs ~$332/mo vs $275/mo in Cali. Outside the center: $217 vs $180.
What is $2,000/month in Medellín worth in Cali?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Medellín has the purchasing power of approximately $1,749/month in Cali.
Are groceries cheaper in Medellín or Cali?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $198 in Medellín vs $176 in Cali. Groceries Index: 30.2 vs 26.9 (NYC = 100).