πMonthly costs for one person with rent: $1,017 in Medellin versus $2,897 in Clearwater, FL.
πEstimated couple costs with rent: $1,602 in Medellin versus $4,459 in Clearwater, FL.
πMonthly costs for a family of three with rent: $2,188 in Medellin versus $6,022 in Clearwater, FL.
πLiving in Medellin costs roughly 65% less than in Clearwater, FL, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
πThe two cities straddle the global median: Medellin is 24% below, Clearwater, FL is 116% above.
Currency
π½ Eating Out
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.95COPΒ 20.8K
$19.02$19.02
-68.72%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.33COPΒ 116.3K
$73.4$73.4
-54.62%
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$7.23COPΒ 25.2K
$10.02$10.02
-27.84%
Cappuccino
$1.63COPΒ 5,687
$4.73$4.73
-65.54%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.09COPΒ 3,821
$2.24$2.24
-51.34%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73COPΒ 2,548
$1.87$1.87
-60.96%
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.74COPΒ 6,065
$4.44$4.44
-60.81%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23COPΒ 11.3K
$7.55$7.55
-57.22%
π Groceries & Markets
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.05COPΒ 3,662
$1.19$1.19
-11.76%
White Bread(500g)
$1.29COPΒ 4,515
$3.55$3.55
-63.66%
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.32COPΒ 4,617
$4.24$4.24
-68.87%
Eggs
$2.27COPΒ 7,927
$4.37$4.37
-48.05%
Local Cheese(1kg)
$4.35COPΒ 15.2K
$11.92$11.92
-63.51%
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.88COPΒ 20.5K
$12.17$12.17
-51.68%
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$8.61COPΒ 30.0K
$16.50$16.50
-47.82%
Apples(1kg)
$2.25COPΒ 7,844
$6.12$6.12
-63.24%
Banana(1kg)
$1.07COPΒ 3,733
$1.48$1.48
-27.70%
Oranges(1kg)
$1.52COPΒ 5,322
$5.48$5.48
-72.26%
Tomato(1kg)
$1.42COPΒ 4,964
$5.34$5.34
-73.41%
Potato(1kg)
$1.17COPΒ 4,084
$3.49$3.49
-66.48%
Onion(1kg)
$1.17COPΒ 4,077
$3.87$3.87
-69.77%
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.89COPΒ 3,096
$2.04$2.04
-56.37%
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.90COPΒ 3,146
$2.81$2.81
-67.97%
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$2.25COPΒ 7,837
$6.87$6.87
-67.25%
Wine(Bottle)
$11.04COPΒ 38.5K
$16.19$16.19
-31.81%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.14COPΒ 3,977
$1.70$1.70
-32.94%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.38COPΒ 8,301
$3.85$3.85
-38.18%
π Getting Around
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.84COPΒ 2,916
$2.99$2.99
-71.91%
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$41.95COPΒ 146.4K
$32.74$32.74
28.13%
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$1.41COPΒ 4,912
$3.43$3.43
-58.89%
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.90COPΒ 6,634
$0.67$0.67
183.58%
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$7.75COPΒ 27.0K
$60.5$60.5
-87.19%
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.01COPΒ 3,509
$0.85$0.85
18.82%
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.6KCOPΒ 61.4M
$28.4K$28.4K
-38.01%
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.5KCOPΒ 92.5M
$24.6K$24.6K
7.76%
π§Ύ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$83.7COPΒ 292.1K
$258$258
-67.54%
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.45COPΒ 33.0K
$44.41$44.41
-78.72%
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.11COPΒ 84.1K
$74.2$74.2
-67.52%
π Sport & Entertainment
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$25.31COPΒ 88.3K
$38.16$38.16
-33.67%
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.14COPΒ 66.8K
$24.92$24.92
-23.19%
Cinema Ticket
$4.10COPΒ 14.3K
$13.80$13.80
-70.29%
π§Έ Childcare & Education
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$312COPΒ 1.1M
$427$427
-27.03%
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$5,993COPΒ 20.9M
$7,238$7,238
-17.20%
ππ Clothing & Footwear
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.0COPΒ 202.6K
$67.2$67.2
-13.66%
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.56COPΒ 113.6K
$54.4$54.4
-40.14%
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$99.6COPΒ 347.7K
$102$102
-2.76%
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109COPΒ 378.8K
$167$167
-35.08%
π Accommodation & Living
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$482COPΒ 1.7M
$2,129$2,129
-77.35%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$379COPΒ 1.3M
$1,559$1,559
-75.66%
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$837COPΒ 2.9M
$3,650$3,650
-77.05%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$723COPΒ 2.5M
$2,968$2,968
-75.64%
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,840COPΒ 9.9M
$2,993$2,993
-5.11%
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,223COPΒ 4.3M
$2,757$2,757
-55.64%
π΅ Salaries & Financials
Medellin
Clearwater, FL
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$541COPΒ 1.9M
$3,625$3,625
-85.08%
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
13.43
6.59
103.79%
CityCost data is based on AI and user input β minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Medellin: June 8, 2026
Last update for Clearwater, FL: June 8, 2026
Cost Breakdown
π A one-bedroom apartment in the center runs $482 in Medellin and $2,129 in Clearwater, FL. Housing cost is often the main lever when comparing two cities.
π°Clearwater, FL pays 570% more on average. The extra income cushions the higher costs, though housing choices and lifestyle decide how much of the gap is truly closed.
πDining out: $33.00 in Medellin vs $73.0 in Clearwater, FL for a mid-range dinner for two. Groceries echo the gap at $190 vs $425 per month, with Medellin cheaper across the board.
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 Clearwater, FL: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clearwater, FL cheaper than Medellin?
Medellin is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Clothing & Footwear, Eating Out, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Sport & Entertainment. The 185% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
Where can you earn more: Medellin or Clearwater, FL?
On paper, Clearwater, FL earns 570% less. That's worth factoring in alongside costs, though remote workers earning in a stronger currency may not notice the difference at all.
What is the rent difference between Medellin and Clearwater, FL?
Rent for a central apartment: $482 in Medellin versus $2,129 in Clearwater, FL. Housing is usually the single largest factor when comparing overall living costs between the two.
What are total monthly expenses in Medellin vs Clearwater, FL?
All in, you'll spend $1,017 per month in Medellin versus $2,897 in Clearwater, FL β a 185% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Which city has cheaper public transport?
A monthly transit pass in Medellin runs roughly 28% less than in Clearwater, FL. Both cities have functional networks, but the price difference matters if you're watching your budget.
Is $1,500 a realistic budget for Medellin or Clearwater, FL?
At $1,017 in Medellin versus $2,897 in Clearwater, FL, a $1,500 budget is realistic in Medellin but tight or insufficient in Clearwater, FL. The gap between the two cities makes Medellin the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Is Medellin or Clearwater, FL more family-friendly?
For families, Medellin is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Clearwater, FL, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.
Which city is easier to live in as a foreigner?
Expats usually find Medellin gentler on the wallet β expenses run 185% less than in Clearwater, FL. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.