Medellin

ColombiaGMT-5

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

76.0/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

8,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,402/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

100Mbps

About Medellin

Medellín, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' has transformed from its tumultuous past into a thriving hub for digital nomads and expats. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes Mountains, the city offers a unique blend of affordability, vibrant culture, and a mild climate year-round, making it an attractive destination for remote workers seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The cost of living in Medellín is significantly lower than in many Western cities, with affordable housing options in expat-friendly neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles. The city’s infrastructure supports remote work with reliable high-speed internet and a growing number of coworking spaces, while its public transport system, including the Metro, makes it easy to navigate.

Culturally, Medellín is rich with festivals, street art, and a burgeoning food scene that ranges from local arepas to international cuisine. The expat and nomad communities are well-established, with regular meetups and events fostering a sense of belonging, which is a key draw for those relocating here.

Beyond its urban appeal, Medellín offers outdoor activities with its surrounding mountains and parks, such as Arví Park, providing a natural escape. The introduction of a digital nomad visa in 2022 further enhances its status as a nomad-friendly destination, offering flexibility for long-term stays.

Demographics

Population4,173,000
LanguagesSpanish, English

Location

CountryColombia
TimezoneGMT-5
Airport to City35 minutes
TransportUber, Taxi, Bus

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,402
/mo
21.1% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Medellin, Colombia is $1,402, which is 21.1% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$900
64.2% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$91
6.5% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$154
11.0% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$22
1.6% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$150
10.7% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$85
6.1% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Medellín boasts a robust internet infrastructure, with median download speeds of 100 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces like libraries and coworking cafes, as reported by Speedtest data. Major providers—Claro, Tigo, and Movistar—offer competitive plans, with high-speed options like 100 Mbps for $35 monthly. Reliability is generally high, though occasional disruptions may occur in areas affected by the city’s mountainous terrain.

Medellín’s digital nomad community is vibrant, with an estimated 8,000 nomads calling it home, fueled by its affordability and lifestyle. Around 25 coworking spaces, such as Selina Cowork, cater to remote workers with high-speed internet and networking opportunities. Regular meetups, like those organized by Digital Nomads Medellín on social platforms, and events create a welcoming social scene.

100Mbps
4G
3providers
8,000
Nomads
25+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Highland/Mountain
Medellín enjoys a subtropical highland climate, with consistent average temperatures of 20°C year-round, earning its nickname 'City of Eternal Spring.' Rainfall varies, peaking at 350 mm in April and dipping to 150 mm in January and December, with no distinct dry season. The surrounding Andes Mountains influence weather patterns, providing a lush, green environment but also occasional heavy rains.
Temperature Range
20°C - 20°C
Avg: 20°C
Annual Rainfall
2400mm
Monthly Avg: 200mm
Jan
01
20°C
☀️
150 mm
💧
Feb
02
20°C
☀️
150 mm
💧
Mar
03
20°C
☀️
200 mm
💧
Apr
04
20°C
☀️
350 mm
💧
May
05
20°C
☀️
270 mm
💧
Jun
06
20°C
☀️
220 mm
💧
Jul
07
20°C
☀️
190 mm
💧
Aug
08
20°C
☀️
170 mm
💧
Sep
09
20°C
☀️
180 mm
💧
Oct
10
20°C
☀️
190 mm
💧
Nov
11
20°C
☀️
180 mm
💧
Dec
12
20°C
☀️
150 mm
💧
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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