Medellín wins overall by ~171% (COL index)
Cost of living: Houston vs Medellín (2026)
A $75,000 salary in Houston buys roughly what $27,632 does in Medellín (COL-adjusted). Your real trade-offs are taxes, rent, and day-to-day prices — we break them down and personalize below.
Your move simulator
Slide to match your household — estimates combine take-home, rent, and groceries.
Adjust income → set household → see a meaningful swing to unlock all three.
Estimated annual swing
−$9,912/yr
Favoring Medellín for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $826/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~19 months and still keep ~$99/mo for dining out.
| Category | Houston Texas | Medellín Antioquia | Wallet Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050 | $380Best | B−$670/mo |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,350 | $500Best | B−$850/mo |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700 | $820Best | B−$880/mo |
| Median home price | $280K | — | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94 | — | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 | $5Best | B−$7/mo |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50 | $25Best | B−$25/mo |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $90 | — | — |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10 | — | — |
| Car insurance/mo | $190 | — | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $175 | $55Best | B−$120/mo |
| Internet/mo | $65 | $30Best | B−$35/mo |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |||
| Median household income/yr | $56K | — | — |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 0.0% | Same |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.3%Best | 19.0% | A+10.7 pp |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | |||
| Movie ticket | $15.00 | — | — |
| Gym membership/mo | $35 | $28Best | B−$7/mo |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00 | — | — |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 95 | 35Best | B-60 |
| Walk score / 100 | 49 | 72Best | B+23 |
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Tax-smart rewards
Maximize everyday spend in your new city
Medellín fits your move math — cash-back cards stack on groceries, gas, and dining you're already doing.
Home + auto bundle
New state — new insurance rates
Bundling often saves hundreds/yr. Compare before you sign a lease in Medellín.
High-yield savings
Park ~$10,200/yr rent savings at 4–5%+ APY
Don't let relocation cash sit at 0% — put it to work until closing day.
More ways to compare this move
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If cash is tight
Knock down high-interest debt first
A move has upfront costs — a balance transfer or personal loan can lower APR while you settle in.
If you're saving big
Invest the surplus on autopilot
Brokerages and robo-advisors help you dollar-cost average into the market with your new slack.
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Medellín?
No. Medellín is 171% cheaper than Houston based on overall cost of living indices (35 vs 95, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Houston vs Medellín?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Houston is $1,350/month and in Medellín is $500/month. Houston is more expensive by 170%.
How much do I need to earn in Medellín to match a $75,000 salary in Houston?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $27,632/year in Medellín to match a $75,000 salary in Houston. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Houston or Medellín?
Medellín has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 0%. Medellín has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Houston to Medellín?
It depends on your priorities. Medellín offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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