πMonthly costs for one person with rent: $1,017 in Medellin versus $46.33 in Al-qabil.
πEstimated couple costs with rent: $1,602 in Medellin versus $70.0 in Al-qabil.
πMonthly costs for a family of three with rent: $2,188 in Medellin versus $94.5 in Al-qabil.
πLiving in Medellin is roughly 2094% more expensive than Al-qabil, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
πBoth cities sit below the global median: Medellin24% lower, Al-qabil97% lower.
Currency
π½ Eating Out
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.95COPΒ 20.8K
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.33COPΒ 116.3K
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$7.23COPΒ 25.2K
-
-
Cappuccino
$1.63COPΒ 5,687
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.09COPΒ 3,821
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73COPΒ 2,548
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.74COPΒ 6,065
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23COPΒ 11.3K
-
-
π Groceries & Markets
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.05COPΒ 3,662
-
-
White Bread(500g)
$1.29COPΒ 4,515
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.32COPΒ 4,617
-
-
Eggs
$2.27COPΒ 7,927
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$4.35COPΒ 15.2K
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.88COPΒ 20.5K
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$8.61COPΒ 30.0K
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$2.25COPΒ 7,844
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$1.07COPΒ 3,733
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$1.52COPΒ 5,322
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$1.42COPΒ 4,964
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$1.17COPΒ 4,084
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$1.17COPΒ 4,077
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.89COPΒ 3,096
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.90COPΒ 3,146
-
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$2.25COPΒ 7,837
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$11.04COPΒ 38.5K
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.14COPΒ 3,977
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.38COPΒ 8,301
-
-
π Getting Around
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.84COPΒ 2,916
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$41.95COPΒ 146.4K
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$1.41COPΒ 4,912
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.90COPΒ 6,634
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$7.75COPΒ 27.0K
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.01COPΒ 3,509
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.6KCOPΒ 61.4M
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.5KCOPΒ 92.5M
-
-
π§Ύ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$83.7COPΒ 292.1K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.45COPΒ 33.0K
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.11COPΒ 84.1K
-
-
π Sport & Entertainment
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$25.31COPΒ 88.3K
$26.31OMRΒ 10.13
-3.80%
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.14COPΒ 66.8K
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$4.10COPΒ 14.3K
$10.51OMRΒ 4.05
-60.99%
π§Έ Childcare & Education
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$312COPΒ 1.1M
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$5,993COPΒ 20.9M
-
-
ππ Clothing & Footwear
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.0COPΒ 202.6K
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.56COPΒ 113.6K
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$99.6COPΒ 347.7K
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109COPΒ 378.8K
-
-
π Accommodation & Living
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$482COPΒ 1.7M
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$379COPΒ 1.3M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$837COPΒ 2.9M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$723COPΒ 2.5M
-
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,840COPΒ 9.9M
-
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,223COPΒ 4.3M
-
-
π΅ Salaries & Financials
Medellin
Al-qabil
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$541COPΒ 1.9M
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
13.43
0
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input β minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Medellin: June 8, 2026
Last update for Al-qabil: June 8, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Medellin vs Al-qabil: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Al-qabil cheaper than Medellin?
Al-qabil is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Clothing & Footwear, Eating Out, Getting Around, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 2094% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
What income do you need for each city?
You'd need roughly $1,525 in Medellin and $69.5 in Al-qabil to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
Is $1,500 a realistic budget for Medellin or Al-qabil?
At $46.33 in Al-qabil versus $1,017 in Medellin, a $1,500 budget is realistic in Al-qabil but tight or insufficient in Medellin. The gap between the two cities makes Al-qabil the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Is Medellin or Al-qabil more family-friendly?
For families, Al-qabil is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Medellin, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.
Which city is safer, Medellin or Al-qabil?
Safety-wise, Medellin and Al-qabil are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is easier to live in as a foreigner?
Expats usually find Al-qabil gentler on the wallet β expenses run 2094% less than in Medellin. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.