Moving from Medellín to Cebu City (2026)
Cebu City has a COL index of 37 vs 35 for Medellín (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 6% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Cebu City to match your Medellín lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Medellín | Equivalent in Cebu City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,286 |
| $50K | $52,857 |
| $60K | $63,429 |
| $75K | $79,286 |
| $80K | $84,571 |
| $100K | $105,714 |
| $120K | $126,857 |
| $150K | $158,571 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Medellín vs Cebu City
| Expense | Medellín | Cebu City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $500 | $400 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $55 | $55 |
| Internet | $30 | $25 |
| Left after essentials | $3,626 | $3,731 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $105 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Medellín — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cebu City cheaper than Medellín?
No. Cebu City has a cost of living index of 37 vs 35 for Medellín (100 = US average). That's about 6% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Medellín to Cebu City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Medellín to Cebu City saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.
What salary do I need in Cebu City to match my Medellín lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Medellín, you'd need roughly $79,286/year in Cebu City. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only