New York vs Medellín
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Medellín is ~77% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Medellín
Colombia
COL+Rent
19.1
Rent Index
8.9
Groceries
30.2
Restaurant
24
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $332 | +$2,850 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $217 | +$2,277 |
| Groceries | $566 | $198 | +$368 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $7 | +$23 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $27 | +$72 |
| Utilities | $229 | $43 | +$186 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $454/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $705/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $899/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Medellín | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $347/mo | -$1,153 |
| $2,000/mo | $463/mo | -$1,537 |
| $3,000/mo | $695/mo | -$2,305 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: New York vs Medellín for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Medellín is approximately 77% more affordable than New York when combining rent and daily living costs. New York's COL+Rent Index of 82.5 vs Medellín's 19.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in New York costs $3,182/month versus $332/month in Medellín — giving Medellín a $2,850/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $34,200 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in New York ($566/mo) vs Medellín ($198/mo) reflect Medellín's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $30 vs $7 show Medellín 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, Medellín offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $705 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.