To those who are curious, here's the scoop on being an expat in Colombia

[HIMYM]

I've been in Medellin for a while now, and here's what it's really costing us in 2025. The rent for a two-bedroom in Laureles is only at 500 dollars a month compared to my 1500 dollars for a studio unit in New York which I got a decade ago so... now it's gonna be double there LOL. If you're buying, it's at around 1200 dollars per square meter in a nice neigborhood.

For the transpo, the metro's cheap and clean at like 70 cents a ride. Taxis are just under 4 dollars across town. You'll navigate quickly with InDrive and Cabify. For 2 adults, we only spend 200 dollars a month for the groceries. But if you want imported stuff, you'll really feel it in your wallet. They're a luxury around here.

EPS is at 25 dollars a month per person for basic health coverage. For the utilities, just 25 dollars for electricity, 30 for water and gas, 22 for internet (already 100 mbps) then 10 dollars cell plan. We don't have kids so I guess that's why. For the fun stuff, it's just 30 dollars for a dinner for two with drinks. Everything else is super affordable here.

IF you're thinking of migrating, why not, right? I'll be here to answer questions. It's SUPER livable..

 

[BreadAndButter]

I was thinking costa rica but this got me rethinking my decision. How are the local there towards nomads? I'm not expecting opened arms and red carpets, but at least not to treat us like garbage. Also, people know about Medelin and it's history, so I have to ask how safe is it now? Would I need to pack a bulletproof vest or it's all good?

 

[MilesFromHome]

Great info! I totally agree with your take. The rent in Laureles is such a bargain, and the metro is super clean and affordable. Plus, utilities are really reasonable, right? You can manage your grocery bills if you stick to local markets, but those imported items can definitely hit your wallet hard. And that EPS at $25? That's a solid deal for basic coverage. Honestly, Medellín sounds like an amazing place to live,I'm seriously considering it myself

 

[g0.s0ul.0]

I've been in Medellin for a while now, and here's what it's really costing us in 2025. The rent for a two-bedroom in Laureles is only at 500 dollars a month compared to my 1500 dollars for a studio unit in New York which I got a decade ago so... now it's gonna be double there LOL. If you're buying, it's at around 1200 dollars per square meter in a nice neigborhood.

For the transpo, the metro's cheap and clean at like 70 cents a ride. Taxis are just under 4 dollars across town. You'll navigate quickly with InDrive and Cabify. For 2 adults, we only spend 200 dollars a month for the groceries. But if you want imported stuff, you'll really feel it in your wallet. They're a luxury around here.

EPS is at 25 dollars a month per person for basic health coverage. For the utilities, just 25 dollars for electricity, 30 for water and gas, 22 for internet (already 100 mbps) then 10 dollars cell plan. We don't have kids so I guess that's why. For the fun stuff, it's just 30 dollars for a dinner for two with drinks. Everything else is super affordable here.

IF you're thinking of migrating, why not, right? I'll be here to answer questions. It's SUPER livable..

Hey, thanks for sharing a detailed breakdown of costs in Medellin!
It's incredibly helpful to get real, current numbers.
"Super livable" sounds like a dream!
May I know what visa route you took or what you would recommend for someone looking to stay long-term but not necessarily tied to a local job?
I'm asking because I currently work remotely and I'm looking to change sceneries for a few months, maybe not less than half a year if I really like the place.
If you can share your experience when it comes to the process and requirements, I'd love to hear them!
I don't have plans to work locally but just out of curiosity, do you have insights on the job market for foreigners, especially those who aren't fluent in Spanish?
Which sectors have good opportunities for expats?

 

[MilesFromHome]

I relocated to Medellín a couple of years back while working remotely. The low cost of living really attracted me, especially when compared to my previous city. At first, figuring out the visa options was a bit tricky, but I found the digital nomad and retiree visas definitely worth considering.

When it comes to jobs, I noticed that teaching English and remote tech positions are quite accessible, although knowing Spanish makes a huge difference. All in all, Medellín is an awesome choice if you're looking for affordability and a good quality of life.