Medellin vs Cebu

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Medellin is roughly 13% more affordable than Cebu (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Medellin
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Cebu · Cost index: 16 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

16✓Cost Index18
1,450✓Median Income /mo370
73✓Safety Index60
0✓Income Tax %15
137✓Internet (Mbps)82
160✓Coworking /mo180

Price Breakdown

MedellinCategoryCebu
$750/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% ← cheaper
$365/month
$0.95/liter
Meal for One
44% cheaper →
$1.7/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
50% ← cheaper
$4/meal
$28/month
Monthly Transit Pass
46% ← cheaper
$15/month
$80/month
Utilities (Monthly)
24% cheaper →
$105/month
$40/visit
Doctor Visit
20% cheaper →
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Medellin

Internet137 Mbps
Coworking$160/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Cebu

Internet82 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medellin cheaper than Cebu?

Medellin is cheaper than Cebu. Medellin has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Cebu (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Medellin than Cebu?

Medellin is approximately 13% cheaper than Cebu based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Cebu could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,625/month in Medellin.

What is the rent comparison between Medellin and Cebu?

In Medellin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $750/month. In Cebu, the equivalent is around $365/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Medellin or Cebu?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Medellin offers 137 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$160/month. Cebu offers 82 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Medellin has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Medellin vs Cebu?

The median net monthly salary in Medellin is approximately $1,450 USD, compared to $370 USD in Cebu.

Compare Medellin with…

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