Moving from Cartagena to Medellín (2026)
Medellín has a COL index of 35 vs 40 for Cartagena (100 = US average). You'd pay about 13% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$60/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
40 → 35
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$560 → $500
per month
State tax
None → None
income tax
COL difference
40 → 35
13% cheaper
Salary needed in Medellín to match your Cartagena lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Cartagena | Equivalent in Medellín |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,000 |
| $50K | $43,750 |
| $60K | $52,500 |
| $75K | $65,625 |
| $80K | $70,000 |
| $100K | $87,500 |
| $120K | $105,000 |
| $150K | $131,250 |
Adjust your salary
Save ~$75/moon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Cartagena vs Medellín
| Expense | Cartagena | Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $560 | $500 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $70 | $55 |
| Internet | $30 | $30 |
| Left after essentials | $3,551 | $3,626 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Medellín cheaper than Cartagena?
Yes. Medellín has a cost of living index of 35 vs 40 for Cartagena (100 = US average). That's about 13% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Cartagena to Medellín?
On a $75K salary, moving from Cartagena to Medellín saves roughly $60/month on core expenses. That's ~$720/year.
What salary do I need in Medellín to match my Cartagena lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Cartagena, you'd need roughly $65,625/year in Medellín. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Medellín to CartagenaCartagena vs Medellín — full comparisonCartagena cost of livingMedellín cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only