Medellin, Colombia: Cost of Living
If you’re thinking about making Medellin your next home base or just curious about life in this vibrant city, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll be breaking down the cost of living in the city of eternal spring!
Welcome to Medellin!
First off, let’s set the scene: Medellin is a lush, green city nestled in the mountains of Colombia. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it’s climate is a balanced blend of cool and warm year-round. With its peaceful vibe and rich culture, it’s made its way to being my favorite city so far. The energy here is contagious, and trust me, you’re gonna love it!
Rentals in the city
When it comes rental prices in the city, Medellin offers a variety of options:
Rooms in shared housing: Starting at about $250
Studio/1-bedroom apartments: From $400
2-bedroom places: Around $550+
You can find typical housing options like cozy apartments, homes perched above businesses, and even some charming houses on the outskirts. A heads up: many places here don’t have ovens, but you’ll likely score an in-unit washer! If you’re after modern amenities, they’re definitely out there.
Utility Costs
If you’re living in a two-bedroom spot, expect utilities (water and gas) to be around $60. Phone plans can range from $10-20/month, which isn’t too shabby!
Wi-Fi typically ranges from $20 to $40 per month depending on the provider and the speed of the connection. Most apartments will come with internet already set up, but if you're getting it separately, options like Claro, Tigo, and Movistar are popular choices.
Laureles Neighborhood
Popular Neighborhoods
El Poblado: Trendy and upscale
Laureles: Chill vibe with cafes and parks
Calasanz: A bit quieter, with local charm
Floresta: Family-friendly and vibrant
Belen: Affordable with a mix of everything
Itagui & Sabaneta: Perfect for a suburban feel
Getting Around
Transportation in Medellin is super budget-friendly.
Metro: Less than $1 per ride (under 4,000 pesos)
Uber: A ride costs around $2 (about 10,000 pesos)
Didi: Rumored to be even cheaper but expect to pay with cash
If you’re thinking of getting wheels, you can snag a decent used car for around $5k, or you might even want to hop on a moto—those are everywhere and often way more affordable!
Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank
Let’s talk food, because life is too short for bad meals! You can eat out for about 20k pesos ($6) a pop, especially if you go for the menu del día—a set lunch that usually includes a drink. For groceries, expect to spend about $30 weekly for 1-2 people. Some great spots for stocking up include:
Fruver (produce)
Exito (similar to Target or Walmart)
Carulla (plenty plant based options)
D1 (similar to Aldi)
Pricemart (bulk foods store like Costco)
La Mayorista & La Minorista (open air markets)
Parque Presidente Saturday Market (petite farmers market)
Health and Wellness
Keeping your mind and body in check is important, right? Basic healthcare runs about $45, and you can grab a health plan at Safety Wing for the same price.
Kids and Care
If you have little ones, childcare is pretty affordable here. A babysitter will cost you between 10k-20k pesos (around $2-5) per hour. For schooling, it’s about $160/month for under 5s, while private schools run $350+/month excluding tuition and material fees.
Entertainment and Fun Times
Now for the fun stuff! Here’s a taste of what you can indulge in without emptying your wallet:
Nails: $20
Massage: $20
Gym: $10
Salsa lessons/dancing: $2-10
Afro fusion classes: $8
Hiking outside the city: $20
Concerts: $50
Wrapping It Up..
Living in Medellin is not just about the cost of living; it’s about the vibe, the culture, and the community. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a plaza, dancing salsa, or exploring the breathtaking nature surrounding the city, there’s always something to love. So if you’re considering a move, I say go for it! Medellin is waiting to embrace you.
Follow my Medellin, Colombia YouTube vlogs here.
