The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Medellín, Colombia

Colombia’s second city was once considered the most dangerous in the world.

Anyone familiar with the Netflix series Narcos will know that Pablo Escobar had a stranglehold on the city in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

But times change and nowhere is that truer than in this beautiful city.

Thanks to the willpower of authorities and the courage of local residents, Medellín – and Colombia as a whole – has emerged from its shadowy past to become one of the best places for expat living.

Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its year-round warm temperatures, almost every day is sunny, reaching 75 to 80 degrees.  

But that’s only part of the reason more than four million people – many expats and digital nomads among them – have made Medellín, located in the northwest of the country, their home.

They are drawn there for many reasons, from stunning scenery and natural wonders to affordable real estate, a lively culture and the potential for low taxes. In short, anyone considering embracing the expat life really needs to consider Medellín as a destination. 

Why Choose Expat Life in Medellín?

If Colombia is on your radar, then you can’t overlook Medellín.

Medellín is a great location for expats due to its mix of modern amenities and a relaxed lifestyle. 

The local people, known as ‘Paisas’, are warm and welcoming, making it easier to integrate into the community. 

The cost of entertainment, from gyms to nightlife, is low, so expats can enjoy a high quality of life without spending a fortune.

In addition, the city has a reliable metro system, making it easy to get around without a car. High-quality healthcare is both affordable and accessible, with top-rated hospitals and clinics. 

Medellín: City Guide 

Getting there is straightforward.

Touch down at José María Córdova International Airport, 20km south of Medellín, and the first sight you’ll be struck by is the imposing mountain range, followed by a series of amazing views.  

While this bustling city is, in part, a built-up industrial centre, it’s also set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes.

That’s not to say the city itself isn’t pretty, but it’s a big place with 16 separate districts and no less than 271 neighbourhoods or barrios.

Still, despite its size, the city feels green and pleasant with open spaces and lush terrain, all thanks to sensible urban planning.  

Getting around is easy, with well-ordered streets, buses, public bikes, cable cars and the country’s only Metro system.  

When exploring Medellín, you’ll notice it’s a city of contrast. 

The bustling El Centro district exudes a chaotic energy that contrasts with the serene beauty of Botero Plaza, adorned with an array of sculptures. 

Despite the dangers still present in Medellín’s surrounding hillside slums, the city offers several more affluent and safer neighbourhoods that are ideal for expats. 

Expats and digital nomads tend to be based in neighbourhoods such as El Poblado, Envigado, Sabaneta and Laureles, which are covered in more detail below.  

With Medellín’s affordable prices, eating out is always a good option. Thankfully, just like Colombia’s capital, Bogota, Medellín has an array of choices.   

The country’s food has indigenous roots, inspired by Colombian, Spanish, and African cuisines. The national dish, la bandeja paisa, is a delicious platter of Colombian sausage, beef, rice, red beans, pork rind, plantain, avocado and a fried egg on top.  

Foodies will love Medellín’s restaurants, which include eateries that serve delicious local food from the Antioquia province.  

There’s international cuisine here, too: Indian restaurants filled with fragrant, aromatic spices, Japanese restaurants showing off beautiful works of food art and Mediterranean restaurants that take you on a journey of vibrant flavours.  

Plus, this is Colombia, so you’ll never be far from a cheap, delicious coffee shop or the smell of fresh ground beans. 

Cost of Living in Medellín, Colombia

In particular, real estate, dining out, groceries, transport and healthcare cost considerably less than in European and North American capitals.  

For comparative purposes, the overall cost of living in Medellín is around 58% lower than in Miami, Florida, and around 30% cheaper than in many other Latin cities. 

Real Estate Prices for Expats Living in Medellín 

Whether you want to go all out and rent a penthouse or live more frugally, Medellín has plenty of real estate options.

Comparable accommodation here can be more than a third cheaper than in New York, London, Los Angeles or Madrid. Based on current prices:  

• You could rent a luxury one-bedroom apartment in central Antioquia for around US$1,200 a month 
• A large furnished three-bedroom apartment in El Poblado will cost approximately US$1,300 per month
• An unfurnished three-bedroom apartment in El Poblado could set you back US$1,000 a month.  

This selection of properties represents the upper end of the market and many more affordable rentals are available.

Generally speaking, a furnished two-bedroom apartment in the best part of town, Poblado, next to upmarket shops, restaurants and bars, will cost around US$1,000 a month.   

In other popular areas like Envigado, Sabaneta and Laureles, you’ll pay even less – around US$700. 

Lifestyle Costs as an Expat Living in Medellín 

In terms of eating out, you can expect to pay between US$10 and US$15 per person for a meal in a mid-range restaurant, a price that drops to around US$5 per person in cheaper places.  

Local supermarkets and food markets are excellent sources of inexpensive groceries, such as meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. A half-litre bottle of a local beer, like Quilmes of Colombia, costs about US$1.70.  

As for nightlife, Medellín is a thriving spot for bars and clubs where Reggaeton, a blend of reggae, Latin rhythms and hip-hop, is very popular. 

While there are some red-light areas on the outskirts, the clubs of central Medellín are lively and usually respectable. 

The costs of a night out are also very affordable, but prices can vary across the entire city. For example, entry to an upmarket venue with your own table and bottle of rum will cost around US$50.  

The price of other forms of entertainment includes cinema tickets for around US$5 per person and a range of sightseeing tours that usually cost US$15 to US$20.  

Medellín is also connected and close to many other attractive destinations. One of the most popular day trips takes visitors to the Andean resort town of Guatapé, 80km from Medellín.   

Living here also puts you very close to other Latin countries like Panama, Brazil and Argentina, while a three-hour return ticket to Miami can cost as little as US$250. The theme of affordable, luxury living continues if you consider that membership of an upmarket gym in Medellín is no more than US$30 a month, and it’s possible to hire a maid to clean and even cook for as little as US$25 per day.  

Healthcare and Schooling in Medellín

The standard of health care in Colombia is generally affordable and of good quality.   

Expats and digital nomads pay around US$200 a year for public health insurance, while private insurance costs around US$50 a month.

Medellín has a number of recognised international schools with annual tuition fees ranging from US$3,000 to US$15,000 per year.   

Where to Live in Medellín as an Expat

The best areas for the expat and digital nomad community are El Poblado, Laureles and Envigado.

El Poblado 

Located in the southeastern section of Medellín, El Poblado is an upscale neighbourhood known for its trendy cafes, chic boutique shops and excellent restaurants.  

El Poblado is a safe area with a strong police presence. It’s a great place for lively nightlife or to visit museums and parks. 

The neighbourhood has many interesting places to visit, from the Medellín Modern Art Museum to the Castillo Museum or the Gardens. If you like to shop, you can visit the luxury shopping malls like El Tesoro, Oviedo and Santafé. 

Laureles 

Ranked as the world’s coolest neighbourhood by Timeout magazine in 2023, Laureles is a nightlife hotspot packed with great parks, coffee shops and yoga studios.  

It’s also home to Medellín’s famous ‘La 70’ nightlife strip, near the main Estadio metro station and the Atanasio Girardot Stadium sports complex. 

Here, you can find many clubs and cafes within walking distance of each other.

Envigado 

Envigado is a sought-after suburb known for its architecture, parks and scenic views.

Once containing Pablo Escobar’s family home, this suburb started out as a town in its own right. Despite being subsumed by the city, Envigado retains its own identity.  

Envigado is a large suburb with over 200,000 residents and a thriving commercial district. It’s considered very safe and is a popular expat area known for its welcoming locals and Latin charm.   

Described as Medellín’s equivalent of New York’s Brooklyn, locals there will forever remind you that they are not from Medellín.

Moving to Medellín: How to Get Residence in Colombia

There are a few different types of residence visas open to expats considering Colombia. Here’s a breakdown of how to get them:

Rentista Visa

The Rentista Visa is designed for individuals who receive a steady passive income from sources such as annuities, rental income, dividends or interest. 

To qualify, you must have a minimum monthly income of at least ten times the Colombian minimum wage (approximately US$3,500). 

Holders of this visa are not permitted to work in Colombia.

Real Estate Investment Visa

Foreigners who invest in Colombian real estate can get a residence permit. The minimum required investment is COP 455,000,000 (approximately US$110,000). 

However, to ensure your visa is eligible during renewals, it’s recommended to invest at least 150% of the minimum amount. 

The investment must be made in a property wholly owned by the applicant and registered through an escrow account in Colombia. 

Business Visa

Foreigners who establish or acquire shares in a Colombian company can apply for a Business Visa. 

The minimum required investment is COP 140,000,000 (approximately US$34,000). This visa allows you to work exclusively within the company you own. The business must be registered with the Colombian Chamber of Commerce, and you must obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIT) from the tax authority (DIAN).

Direct Foreign Investment Visa

If you want to make a direct investment in Colombia, you can get a visa as part of the process. The minimum investment amount is COP 845,000,000 (approximately US$204,000). 

The applicant must fully own the investment and holders must maintain or reinvest the required amount throughout the visa validity period. 

Applicants must provide official foreign investment statements from the Bank of the Republic, certifying the registration of their investment. 

This visa can be a good choice for those seeking long-term residence.

Digital Nomad Visa 

Remote workers and digital entrepreneurs considering relocating to Medellín can start a business providing services from Colombia but can’t receive income from within Colombia.  

To qualify, you must have a monthly income roughly equivalent to around US$1,000. The visa is valid for a maximum of 180 days per year, though extensions may allow longer stays.

See our guide to Colombian Residency and Citizenship for a more in-depth analysis of these different options.  

Citizenship Options for Expats Living in Medellín 

It’s possible to apply for Colombian citizenship after five years of permanent residence.

That said, the process can take up to a year and requires tests in Spanish language proficiency and Colombia’s history, culture and politics. 

Taxes in Colombia as an Expat

Colombia is not a low-tax country, but expats who stay there for less than 183 days a year are taxed as non-residents. 

As a non-resident, your worldwide income is not taxed, and you’re only taxed on income sourced in Colombia. 

This means Colombia could be an excellent destination as part of a global nomadic strategy to reduce your tax obligations to zero.

Colombia’s income taxes are progressive, ranging from zero to 39%. The top rate is charged on income over US$31,000. 

Expat Living in Medellín, Colombia: FAQs

Why Consider Expat Life in Medellín, Colombia?

Like many of the popular expat destinations in Latin America, such as Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Mexico City and Montevideo, Medellín is a place where life has a vibrancy that foreigners enjoy.  

Like other places in this emerging continent, Medellín is a city of contrast: Beautiful with breathtaking scenery and nature, the City of Eternal Spring has changed radically since the cartel-controlled mayhem of the ’80s and ’90s.  

There’s still poverty that may seem shocking to Westerners and the threat of crime, albeit diminished, remains, but what’s on offer in Medellín vastly outweighs any of the negatives.  

In fact, if you want the benefits of a Latin American residence – a luxury life for less – Medellín is potentially somewhere you could follow our Trifecta Strategy.

This approach allows you to rent or buy homes in different jurisdictions around the world and live for a certain amount of time without becoming a tax resident in any of them. 

As one of your bases, and as long as you don’t spend more than 183 days in a year there, your worldwide income is not taxed in Colombia.

Above all, this is an opportunity to invest in affordable real estate, work remotely or start a business in a beautiful, sunny, expat-friendly city.   

Uncovering its undoubted potential will take some planning and, as always, getting the right advice from the start can save you lots of time, effort and money.

Rather than relying on local providers, it pays to have impartial advice from international experts with no specific allegiance to any one jurisdiction. 

That’s just one of the reasons people choose Nomad Capitalist – we have direct experience across multiple jurisdictions and will help you weigh up the pros and cons of each. 

Reach out and let us develop a turnkey solution for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, asset protection and global diversification tailored to your needs. Let us help you ‘go where you’re treated best’.