Cost of living in Medellín: Food, transport, and more

If Medellín, Colombia is in your plans, here’s the cost of living in the city and everything you need to know before arriving in this popular South American destination.

We’ll review accommodation costs across the mountain city, food prices, transport fares, and even leisure activities.

We’ll also share internet plan costs offered in Medellín and the best national providers. Plus, you’ll estimate potential medical expenses with private healthcare. Stay and discover more about Medellín.

Average cost of accommodation in Medellín

Medellín offers a wide range of accommodation in Colombia, with coliving spaces, rooms, furnished flats, and hotels, thanks to the growing number of tourists staying longer in the Antioquian capital.

Here we’ll show you average rental prices for each option. You’ll also see the services included so you can choose what suits your needs.

Average cost of staying in a hotel in Medellín

Staying in a three-star hotel in Medellín costs between $70-120 (€68-118) per night. Services like room cleaning, restaurant, pool, spa, and bar raise prices compared to other options.

Depending on the area, prices vary. However, most hotels are strategically located near tourist attractions.

La Candelaria downtown is popular for hotel stays, along with Laureles, blending local life with tourism. El Poblado hosts the best-known hotels, in a safe area filled with malls, bars, and restaurants.

Average cost of renting a furnished flat in Medellín

For furnished flats, you’ll find many options across the city and outskirts, some closer to nature.

Neighbourhoods like Envigado, El Poblado, Guayabal, Las Palmas, and Laureles offer most rentals. Prices vary more by flat size than location.

For instance, in El Poblado or Las Palmas, a flat costs about $1,300 (€1,065) monthly for 87m².

It includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen, lounge, dining room, and parking space. Other flats with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a terrace, a modern kitchen, and three parking spaces cover 230m² and cost $5,000 (€4,470) monthly.

Average cost of renting a studio flat in Medellín

Studio flats are more popular than single furnished rooms because they offer extra space and include private kitchen and bathroom.

In Laureles, La América, or Belén, you’ll find 45m² studios with one bathroom, kitchen, bedroom with wardrobe, and sometimes a balcony or terrace, from $390-490 (€340-426), according to Metrocuadrado.

Average cost of renting through Airbnb

Airbnb rentals are highly popular in Medellín, making it one of the top three cities in Latin America using the app. Two-bedroom flats with two bathrooms, kitchen, lounge, and dining room cost $1,800-2,400 (€1,700-2,170) monthly.

Most rentals are in El Poblado, Provenza, Laureles, or Estadio, with easy access to transport, museums, bars, and restaurants.

Average cost of coliving in Medellín

Coliving spaces cost $580-620 (€520-580) monthly, offering private rooms with private bathrooms, coworking areas with high-speed internet, and shared or private kitchens depending on budget.

These places add value with event planning and community building. You may also get laundry, cleaning, and facilities like pools, jacuzzis, and saunas.

Cost of food

Food costs in Medellín depend on lifestyle. Here’s an average basket including rice, beans, vegetables, fruit, potatoes, and cleaning products.

Prices are from Jumbo supermarket, present across Medellín:

Eating out costs more than shopping monthly. Prices vary by area and restaurant type.

Breakfast costs about $2 (€1.79) at a market (arepa, hot chocolate, eggs). In a mid-range restaurant with juice, cappuccino, arepa, eggs, and fruit, it’s about $3.70 (€3.36).

Lunch in markets or mid-range restaurants costs $3-6 (€2.68-5.59).Expect local dishes like bandeja paisa, soups, set menus, and Colombian cuisine.

If you go out for dinner in Medellín, you will no longer find food stalls open, so the safest option is to look for a restaurant. On average, a dinner in Medellín costs between $10–15 / €9–14, often including quick meals such as arepas or burgers.

Transport prices in Medellín

Medellín has an integrated transport system combining buses, cable cars, metro, and trams. To access it, buy a Cívica card for $2.80 (€2.40) and top it up. Each trip costs $0.86 (€0.75).

The Medellín Metro app helps plan routes, check your card balance, and find system information.

If renting a car, note petrol costs $3.90 (€3) per gallon, diesel $2.79 (€2), and EV charging $0.30-0.50 per kWh.

Healthcare costs

Healthcare costs In Medellín and Colombia, the public health system has two regimes: subsidised and contributory, plus private care.

To access public healthcare, you need legal migration status and must be registered. Workers get enrolled in social security under the contributory regime.

Private healthcare is faster for appointments and specialities. Monthly fees cost $40-100 (€36-98). Let’s compare public and private costs:

Over-the-counter medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, and cortisone creams are available in local pharmacies. In public healthcare, copays are up to $4 (€3.80). Examples:

• Acetaminophen (16 tablets): $6.50 (€5.90)
• Ibuprofen (10 tablets): $5.30 (€4.80)
• Aspirin (12 tablets): $1 (€0.97)
• Cortisone cream 30g: $8 (€7.30)
• Amoxicillin (14 tablets): $10 (€9.80)

Internet and call plan prices

Fixed internet speed in Medellín is 250 Mbps. Prices vary by provider, mainly Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and Etb. Plans often include cable TV, costing $18.98-41.37 (€17.25-37.61).

For mobile plans, Claro, Tigo, and Movistar dominate, with average speeds of 32.17 Mbps. Prices are $10.58-19.99 (€9.62-18.18) monthly, including unlimited calls and 55GB-unlimited data.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans in 160+ countries, with device sharing. For shorter stays, activate an eSIM for Medellín with unlimited data for the days you need.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Leisure costs in Medellín

Medellín offers plenty of plans. Beyond its cultural and tourist scene, nearby towns are easily accessible, with gastronomy and entertainment too. Here are some activities and their costs:

• Guatapé Rock: $35 (€32).
• Helicopter city tour: $68 (€65) per hour.
• Comuna 13 tour: $25 (€22).
• City tour (Plaza Botero, Pueblito Paisa, Metro ride): $19 (€18).

Monthly cost of living in Medellín, Colombia

The cost of living in Medellín is higher than the national average compared to other major cities in Colombia, according to figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). In 2025, the cost of food has risen by 5.60%.

While the minimum wage in Colombia is around $400 / €345, the cost of living for a single person in Medellín exceeds $500 / €450 per month.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Medellín

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