What To Expect From Living In Medellin Colombia
Last Updated on Apr 5, 2018
Why would anyone want to go and live in Medellin, Colombia? Because it’s an incredible city, one of the most innovative in Latin America, with a great quality of life, burgeoning food scene, friendly locals, and awesome nightlife.
In this post I’m going to try to answer most of the questions that friends have asked me for tips on living in Medellin, and why exactly I’ve chosen to call this place home for two years now.
What To Expect From Living In Medellin Colombia
Is Medellin Safe?
This is always the biggest question or concern from new visitors… Medellin… Like that show Narcos? The city and country best known for Pablo Escobar, guerrillas, kidnappings, and cocaine — that’s the reputation, unfortunately.
Thankfully, things have changed dramatically in Medellin since the bad days of the 1990s. Medellin is bursting with development, opportunities, and forward looking locals. In two years, I’ve experienced no crime whatsoever. The city is as safe as any other in Latin America, and I feel more than comfortable on a day-to- day basis.
That isn’t to say that things are perfect here though, you should still take common sense precautions not to show valuables in public, remain aware of your surroundings, and don’t wander around strange areas after dark.
Medellin feels as safe as any big city in the USA and is much safer than its previously dangerous reputation would suggest.
Public Transportation in Medellin
Medellin has a well developed public transportation system. It is the only city with a metro system in Colombia, featuring two lines that will take you most everywhere you’d want to go in the city.
There are also two different metro cable (gondola) lines integrated into the system which will take you to the hillside barrios. Medellin’s innovative approach to public infrastructure has won it awards and turned it into a model city for how to invest in and integrate poorer communities.
Beyond that, there are street cars, bus rapid transit lines (which act like a street level subway system with designated lanes and stops), to help you get around this bustling city.
There are also your standard city buses which are cheap and plentiful (about 75 cents) and tons of taxis which can take you all the way across town for $5-10 (the taxis are metered, so no haggling over prices with the drivers).
Weather in Medellin?
Medellin is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its consistent year round climate owing to its location in the tropics and relatively high position in the mountains (around 5,000 feet above sea level). Temperatures are usually in the low 80s year round during the day, and in the mid-50s at night which means you don’t need anything more than a sweater and you can sleep with just a sheet on the bed.
There are only two seasons, rainy and dry. Thankfully, during the rainy season the rains are fairly predictable in that they arrive in the late afternoon in a heavy downpour that usually lasts for a few hours and then dissipates.
Food in Medellin Colombia
Colombian food isn’t famous internationally, and it occasionally has a bad reputation amongst international travelers for being bland and simple. While it’s true that the typical local meals aren’t heavily seasoned with spices, I find the food to be hearty and delicious.
A typical fixed meal, “menu of the day” will get you soup or beans, the main plate which offers up a small salad, rice, avocado, fried plantain, and a portion of meat (chicken, beef, chicharron), as well as a glass of fresh fruit juice (which are undeniably delicious and flavorful).
For lunch you’ll also be able to eat a soup called ajiaco, usually made with chicken and three kinds of potatoes, corn and an herb called guascas. If you’re a cheese lover I recommend arepas – round thick pancakes made of ground maize dough or cooked flour, usually stuffed with cheese.
Best of all, this big meal will only cost you around $3. Some even include a small dessert.
Cost Of Living In Medellin
The cost of living — see my monthly expenses here — and general quality of life are two of the things I love most about life in Medellin. I was able to rent a nice, simple three-bedroom, two- bath apartment (not super modern or fancy), with an awesome balcony and view for only $330 per month without utilities in one of the best neighborhoods in town (Laureles). I have friends back home in Seattle that are paying $1,000 per month for a studio.
A nice meal out will cost you about $10, a local beer will set you back $1. You can even find a 15-course molecular gastronomy meal from a world-class chef for only $60 — the same thing in D.C. or Chicago would set you back $300 or more.
Everything is a fraction of the price compared to the States. I had a dental crown done for less than $300 in a place indistinguishable from a dentist office back home, except for the Spanish spoken by the staff.
Working In Medellin As An Expat
Most expats who come to live in Medellin long-term either come as retirees or as so-called digital nomads. Medellin has become a hub for remote workers who make their living online via their laptop — which is what I do, as well.
Throughout town there is a burgeoning cafe scene which offer high quality Colombian coffee and fast internet to get your work done.
There are a number of new co-working spaces popping up around the city as well which offer a more dedicated and communal atmosphere for those who need to get work done. The Poblado neighborhood has the largest selection of co-working spaces with Laureles running second.
Visas to Colombia
Visas to Colombia are simple for most Western countries. Upon arrival they will give you 90 days, just before that expires you can request another extension of 90 days at one of the immigration offices in any big city. That gives you 180 calendar days in country per calendar year.
So if you leave the country for a month or two during that time, they don’t count against your 180 day limit. Remember though that limit is per calendar year, so if you time your visit to arrive in July, you can get six months in one year, then leave the country briefly to Panama or Ecuador and re-enter Colombia in the new year for another 180 days, effectively giving you a full year in country.
Student visas are another popular and accessible option for those looking to stay in country longer.
All-in- all Medellin is an incredible city, one that unexpectedly captured my heart and made it my home away from home. Whether you plan to visit for a week or for a year, there’s so much to see and do in Medellin, Colombia.
If you have any questions about living in Medellin, don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment below.
Post written by Ryan. Ryan is the author of Big Travel, Small Budget and the blogger behind Desk to Dirtbag, detailing his travels and outdoor adventures after leaving his Washington, D.C. desk job. Since then he has spent a year road tripping across the American West, living as an expat in Medellin, and driving from his hometown of Seattle to Medellin. Right now you can find him road tripping across all of South America.
I was going to go volunteer in a Columbia and my husbands mom was really very worried about it! I kept telling her not to worry, next time I probably won’t tell her…
Rachel
Columbia is South Carolina. COLOMBIA is a country. Theres a difference.
Good observation !! ColOmbia !!
Why would your family be concerned by you volunteering in Columbia, SC?
Hi there are thinking of spending some time in medellin. I’ve looked on airbnb and prices seem a lot higher that what you found. Can you tell me how you found a place in laureles?Is there anywhere I can look online for rentals? Thanks
Hi Carolina
Did you get a reply on this? As I am finding the same thing.
Kind regards
S
Her pricey seem to be if you live there and do a long term rental. Not the same as an air bnb
I live in Mexico, its the same here. You can’t find the cheap rentals on line. You have to GO. Walk the streets, talk to people. Look for se renta signs. You could book something on line and then walk around in your most desirable neighborhood and talk to the locals, get the local paper or look at facebook and craigslist for the area.
Its the only way to find the really cheap rentals.
I am renting an Airbnb for the whole month at about $30 US a night. I paid $68 a night for Madrid. YOu want a safe place, right?
And i paid $6:27c a night breakfast included in a safe place, grant it was a hostal
One should be able to get something decent for 300 to 400 month, the problem is if one cant speak spanish it’s going to be tough as these deals are from rent signs or word of mouth
Airbnd is a rip off just like any pedalling website as they get their fat commissions plus fat salaries plus advertising. Costs plus hosting cost so we all known the buck gets passed and the consumer pays dearly down the line
Hey Carolina,
Yeah, you’re obviously going to find higher prices for a short-term rentals an for furnished apartments. We found ours by pounding the pavement and asking around, and that is for an unfurnished apartment too, so you save considerable amounts of money. Best way is to look at local inmobiliaria websites.
I agree, so seeing this is unbiased blogging with no commission or sales, why can’t someone put a quick list of places that are priced well
I have no problem pounding the streets looking but i can’t speak any Spanish, ive tried a few times but languages are not in my dna, i know that’s no ones fault but mine, but there are many other adventure travellers who can’t speak spanish as well so someone who can bridge this unbiased gap would be appreciated on thus blog thread
I grow up in country with 2 civil wars & now is all change ….people can walk with no problem at night any where girls or boys.
So can u do more explenation about Safety In Medellin…???
Thanx
Safety in Medellin is complex… On the whole things are relatively safe, basically the same as anywhere in Latin America. You should always be a little bit careful here though, because robberies are higher here than places like the US or Europe. That being said, I’ve been here for well over three years in total and never had any problems with safety.
What about the pharmacies? Do you need a preription to get antibiotics or pain meedcation?
Good question — I’m not certain if a prescription is required actually. The one time I’ve needed antibiotics, I went to a GP (with no insurance) and had the appointment, prescription, and pills for about $30 total.
Thanks so much!
I enjoyed reading.
We are now doing some pre-retirement research. My wife is a citizen and we are thinking about moving there. I am having trouble finding reliable websites where I can find an attorney and apartments. You paid $330 that sure seems low, what neighborhood? Great blog it had some much-needed insight. I would love a small house in a decent or up and coming neighborhood
Jeff, as mentioned in the article, that apartment was in the Laureles neighborhood, one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Our rent was pretty normal… My girlfriend, a local, actually thought it was kind of high. But it was very well located, nice place, located on the third floor with a balcony, etc. Obviously if you’re looking at living in a modern high rise apartment in Poblado with a 24 hour doorman, you’re going to be paying more.
Great so what is the name of this building or the address or contact inf. So i can call or go there and get same price
Please post the inf if you have it seen you rented there in the past
Is Medellín safe? Partially yes… For foreigners staying in downtown/financial district/tourist destinations is pretty safe, travelling by metro and cable car as well.. But remember that Medellín is still under control by paramilitars (paras) so if you go to comunas (not comuna 13 which is a tourist destination) then you can be in troubles… Most of people don’t realize that Medellín is still under control of narcos (paramilitars) with the difference that now they run a kind totalitarian “demochratric” regime in Colombia… How is to live in Medellín? Pretty easygoing since most of their people accept and love narco culture and it’s part of their way of life, so now it’s just something from 90’s that is a part of dailylife… Visiting Medellín? 2 days is more than enough and 3-4 if you want to visit 3-4 nearby towns…
I would certainly contest what you’re saying here… Downtown is actually one of the least safe neighborhoods for one, and is a place that I don’t recommend foreigners stay. Also, much of Medellin is not “controlled” by narcos or paramilitary groups, that’s basically just a few isolated areas on the outskirts like the comunas you mentioned or Bello, for example, where someone is less safe. Even so, dozens upon dozens of foreigners go to Comuna 13 every single day and nothing happens.
Nice post about my city Medellín. The only observation is that locals there don’t eat ajiaco. Ajiaco is a typical food of Bogota DC.
Regards!
Not quite true, Carlos… You’ll find ajiaco on the menu in many local menu del dia restaurants here in Medellin, regardless of whether it is originally from Bogota. Indeed, I’ve eaten ajiaco tons here in Medellin in local restaurants, which means that locals here eat it too. 🙂
Yeah my observation was more about the origin of the menu instead of the offer because, for locals, Ajiaco is no their first choice.
I need to find either a studio apartment or a one bed room apartment or share and split costs of a 2 bed room apartment in medellian area, walking distance to metro, utilities and Wi-Fi included, for a price range 700,000 colombian pesos to say 90,000 colombian pesos per month
Also, i am an electrician by trade and an electrical engineer by profession with 27 years of design and construction management experience, i would also consider trading work for accomodation
If you know of someone that maybe interested or have place to rent please whattapp me USA 480-370-3581
Thanking you
Eamonn
That should be a totally doable price range for a shared place. I’d suggest hitting up https://www.compartoapto.com which is popular with locals, and/or joining some of the numerous Facebook groups dedicated to apartments in Medellin where you can often find ads to share a place.
Hello,
I am planning to move to Medellin, Colombia this summer. I’ve spent a lot of time in Colombia and other countries in South America, and look forward to returning. However, I have a unique situation and I’m unsure how to approach my visa:
1. I plan to live there for at least 1 year, maybe more. I do not want to bank on a Toursit Visa, and I fully understand the implications of the 180 time-frame, etc. I may be there for up to 2 years, so I don’t want any (minimal) interruptions.
2. I will be working remotely for a software company based in the US. I am not contracted or employed by any Colombian companies.
3. What type of visa should I apply for with this type of work situation?
4. Is it easier to start with my tourist visa, and then immediately apply for a more permanent visa once I am down there?
5. From what I understand – the only way to get a non-tourist visa is to visit the consulate in person, and I live in Denver (I’d have to travel to LA or somewhere else).
6. What is the best option here?
Thank you!!
I would still recommend coming here initially on a tourist visa. Colombia has tightened up some of its visa restrictions, so the only viable one for your situation would probably be going for a student visa to stay past then… Remember if you come this summer, you can stay six months this calendar year, leave the country, and come back in January 2020 and get another six months. You’d get one year, but then you’d have to apply for a student visa and take Spanish classes or study something at a local university.
It looks like lots of questions but no answers in this forum
I guess it’s all smoke n mirrors????
No smoke and no mirrors, but this was a guest post by me, so Anna didn’t have the answers, and I wasn’t aware of all the questions here. I’m always happy to help people that reach out to me.
Hello.
Can you please date this article and subsequent posts? Thanks!
L
Nobody answered the question about finding a studio or small apartment from $300 to $400 per month
Why write that you can
My knowledge of Medellin, Colombia goes as far as Season 1 of the famous Narcos television show which I binge watched 2 years ago. I have always been fascinated by Colombia, and keep researching on how to visit and the activities to do while there. Your article provides a perspective on what to expect and actually gives a very beautiful side, one that the media keeps ignoring. The fact that you actually got a 3-bed apartment for $330 is already driving me nuts, I feel like I could check in there tomorrow and stay for the next 1 year, only that the COVID-19 havoc is stopping me. You can imagine that my rent is currently north of $2500 for a simple studio, and my living costs monthly currently around $600. I think based on the info you provide here, I would get a lot of value for my money in Medellin. Just to ask, is there any insecurity or discrimination against foreigners?
Hey Walter,
Yeah, if I’m going to be quarantined in my apartment for months on end, it is nice to be somewhere that is more affordable, anyway! 🙂 I’m still in Medellin, going on 3+ months of lockdown right now and we can only go out a few days per week depending on the last digit of our ID (for grocery shopping and necessary errands). I’m not sure what your ethnic or racial background is or whether you mean in light specifically of COVID-19… But so far as I can tell, there has been animosity toward me as an American ever. Not during nor before COVID. I was a bit worried about that when I first started going out for groceries in quarantine. In general, there has always been some insecurity here and you should take precaution with your valuables when out in public. We have yet to see what it will be like post-COVID, but I do know that many people are hurting economically here, so I worry that insecurity will rise whenever things start opening up more. We will see…
My wife and I will be visiting Medellin in July for only 3 weeks. Would like to have coffee with any retirees who have moved to the city. If there is a regular gathering of expats or a place to gather on the ground information about living in Medellin, please let me know. We have been living in Costa Rica for almost 4 years now. Glad to exchange impressions of life here.