πMonthly costs for one person with rent: $1,013 in Medellin versus $2,539 in Lombard, IL.
πEstimated couple costs with rent: $1,602 in Medellin versus $3,741 in Lombard, IL.
πMonthly costs for a family of three with rent: $2,192 in Medellin versus $4,942 in Lombard, IL.
πLiving in Medellin costs roughly 60% less than in Lombard, IL, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
πThe two cities straddle the global median: Medellin is 24% below, Lombard, IL is 90% above.
Currency
π½ Eating Out
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.99COPΒ 21.5K
$18.87$18.87
-68.26%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$32.86COPΒ 118.1K
$75.8$75.8
-56.63%
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$7.09COPΒ 25.5K
$11.11$11.11
-36.18%
Cappuccino
$1.71COPΒ 6,154
$4.99$4.99
-65.73%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.10COPΒ 3,949
$2.60$2.60
-57.69%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78COPΒ 2,798
$2.04$2.04
-61.76%
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.68COPΒ 6,035
$6.06$6.06
-72.28%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.07COPΒ 11.0K
$6.90$6.90
-55.51%
π Groceries & Markets
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.09COPΒ 3,930
$1.04$1.04
4.81%
White Bread(500g)
$1.26COPΒ 4,536
$3.48$3.48
-63.79%
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.38COPΒ 4,953
$4.30$4.30
-67.91%
Eggs
$2.19COPΒ 7,876
$4.10$4.10
-46.59%
Local Cheese(1kg)
$4.40COPΒ 15.8K
$12.22$12.22
-63.99%
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.63COPΒ 20.2K
$11.56$11.56
-51.30%
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$8.89COPΒ 32.0K
$15.16$15.16
-41.36%
Apples(1kg)
$2.34COPΒ 8,401
$4.86$4.86
-51.85%
Banana(1kg)
$1.06COPΒ 3,801
$1.62$1.62
-34.57%
Oranges(1kg)
$1.50COPΒ 5,408
$4.27$4.27
-64.87%
Tomato(1kg)
$1.38COPΒ 4,955
$4.62$4.62
-70.13%
Potato(1kg)
$1.15COPΒ 4,137
$2.79$2.79
-58.78%
Onion(1kg)
$1.16COPΒ 4,181
$2.77$2.77
-58.12%
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.89COPΒ 3,202
$2.01$2.01
-55.72%
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.84COPΒ 3,016
$2.19$2.19
-61.64%
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$2.28COPΒ 8,196
$9.66$9.66
-76.40%
Wine(Bottle)
$10.64COPΒ 38.2K
$15.25$15.25
-30.23%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.20COPΒ 4,311
$1.85$1.85
-35.14%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.47COPΒ 8,880
$3.39$3.39
-27.14%
π Getting Around
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.86COPΒ 3,075
$1.96$1.96
-56.12%
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$41.40COPΒ 148.8K
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$1.47COPΒ 5,297
$3.57$3.57
-58.82%
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.96COPΒ 7,053
$1.66$1.66
18.07%
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$7.74COPΒ 27.8K
$29.01$29.01
-73.32%
Gasoline(1 liter)
$0.95COPΒ 3,430
$0.90$0.90
5.56%
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.1KCOPΒ 65.2M
$29.0K$29.0K
-37.55%
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.5KCOPΒ 95.2M
$26.0K$26.0K
1.80%
π§Ύ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$82.3COPΒ 295.6K
$189$189
-56.52%
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.50COPΒ 34.1K
$51.8$51.8
-81.67%
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.23COPΒ 87.1K
$68.6$68.6
-64.66%
π Sport & Entertainment
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$25.89COPΒ 93.0K
$43.81$43.81
-40.90%
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.00COPΒ 68.3K
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$3.93COPΒ 14.1K
$13.52$13.52
-70.93%
π§Έ Childcare & Education
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$309COPΒ 1.1M
$1,303$1,303
-76.25%
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$5,965COPΒ 21.4M
$23.6K$23.6K
-74.68%
ππ Clothing & Footwear
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.7COPΒ 210.8K
$51.3$51.3
14.28%
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.35COPΒ 116.2K
$40.39$40.39
-19.91%
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$103COPΒ 368.7K
$85.4$85.4
20.18%
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$108COPΒ 389.6K
$114$114
-4.65%
π Accommodation & Living
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$476COPΒ 1.7M
$1,628$1,628
-70.75%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$379COPΒ 1.4M
$1,348$1,348
-71.90%
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$838COPΒ 3.0M
$2,633$2,633
-68.16%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$724COPΒ 2.6M
$2,228$2,228
-67.51%
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,791COPΒ 10.0M
$2,782$2,782
0.31%
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,211COPΒ 4.4M
$2,660$2,660
-54.46%
π΅ Salaries & Financials
Medellin
Lombard, IL
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$512COPΒ 1.8M
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
13.43
6.51
106.30%
CityCost data is based on AI and user input β minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Medellin: May 31, 2026
Last update for Lombard, IL: June 1, 2026
Cost Breakdown
π A one-bedroom apartment in the center runs $476 in Medellin and $1,628 in Lombard, IL. Housing cost is often the main lever when comparing two cities.
πDining out: $33.00 in Medellin vs $76.0 in Lombard, IL for a mid-range dinner for two. Groceries echo the gap at $188 vs $388 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 Lombard, IL: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lombard, IL cheaper than Medellin?
Medellin is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Sport & Entertainment, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 151% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
What income do you need for each city?
You'd need roughly $1,519 in Medellin and $3,809 in Lombard, IL 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.
What is the rent difference between Medellin and Lombard, IL?
Rent for a central apartment: $476 in Medellin versus $1,628 in Lombard, IL. Housing is usually the single largest factor when comparing overall living costs between the two.
How do food prices compare in Medellin and Lombard, IL?
Supermarket bills run roughly 106% higher in Lombard, IL. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
What are total monthly expenses in Medellin vs Lombard, IL?
All in, you'll spend $1,013 per month in Medellin versus $2,539 in Lombard, IL β a 151% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Is $1,500 a realistic budget for Medellin or Lombard, IL?
At $1,013 in Medellin versus $2,539 in Lombard, IL, a $1,500 budget is realistic in Medellin but tight or insufficient in Lombard, IL. The gap between the two cities makes Medellin the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Is Medellin or Lombard, IL more family-friendly?
For families, Medellin is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Lombard, IL, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.
Which city is safer, Medellin or Lombard, IL?
Safety-wise, Medellin and Lombard, IL 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 Medellin gentler on the wallet β expenses run 151% less than in Lombard, IL. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.