Wondering how far your salary goes in Medellín? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
Furnished 1-bed, Poblado/LaurelesUS$500-1,000 / mo
Meal, mid-range restaurantUS$8-15
Menú del día (set lunch)US$3-5
Tinto (black coffee)US$0.50-1.50
Metro / short Uber rideUS$0.80-5
Est. single-person monthlyUS$700-1,100 (excl. rent)
Good to know
Population
~2.6 million city / ~4 million metro (Aburrá Valley)
Language
Spanish (paisa accent; uses 'vos')
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time zone
COT (GMT-5), no daylight saving
Power plug
Types A/B, 110V (same as the US)
Climate
'Eternal spring' ~22°C year-round (~1,495m); rainy Apr-May & Sep-Nov
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Medellín checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Medellín
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.
Setting up in Medellín
Legal & ID
Visas (V/M/R), the digital-nomad visa and the cédula de extranjería
Driving
Driving & getting around Medellín
Banking
Banking, Nequi & the cédula de extranjería
Health
Healthcare: EPS, prepaid private & clinics
Telecom
Getting a SIM & mobile data
Tax
Income tax, the 183-day residency rule & getting a RUT