Cost of Living in Medellín
2024 EDITION
Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellín offers a comfortable climate, vibrant culture, and affordable lifestyle. It’s a top choice for remote workers and expats looking for a balance between work and leisure.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of living in Medellín so you can plan your move with confidence.
Medellín Neighborhood Guide: An Overview of Barrios and Accommodation Costs
Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, offers a variety of neighborhoods (barrios) catering to different lifestyles and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular barrios, including their vibe, amenities, and accommodation costs for both short-term and long-term stays.
1. El Poblado
Vibe: Medellín’s upscale and most expat-friendly neighborhood. Known for its trendy cafés, high-end restaurants and nightlife in Provenza and Parque Lleras.
Who It’s For: Expats, digital nomads, and travelers looking for luxury, convenience, and social scenes.
Cost:
Short-term: $50–$150 USD per night for Airbnb or serviced apartments.
Long-term: $800–$2,500 USD per month for modern apartments with amenities like pools and gyms.
2. Laureles
Vibe: A laid-back, residential area with a local vibe. Known for tree-lined streets, local eateries and a relaxed café culture. It’s quieter than El Poblado but still offers plenty to do.
Who It’s For: Digital nomads, families, and those looking for a more authentic Medellín experience.
Cost:
Short-term: $30–$80 USD per night for Airbnb or boutique hotels.
Long-term: $500–$1,200 USD per month for spacious apartments or houses.
3. Envigado
Vibe: A suburban area just south of El Poblado. It has a more traditional feel, with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, family-friendly parks and local markets.
Who It’s For: Families, retirees, and those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Cost:
Short-term: $25–$70 USD per night for cozy rentals or guesthouses.
Long-term: $400–$1,000 USD per month for comfortable apartments or homes.
4. Belén
Vibe: A large, diverse neighborhood with a mix of middle-class residential areas and commercial zones. It’s less touristy but offers a glimpse into local life.
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious expats or travelers wanting a more local experience.
Cost:
Short-term: $20–$50 USD per night for simple accommodations.
Long-term: $300–$800 USD per month for apartments.
5. Sabaneta
Vibe: A quaint and rapidly growing area with a small-town feel, located further south. Known for its traditional Antioquian vibe and bustling central square.
Who It’s For: Families, retirees, and those looking for a peaceful yet affordable option.
Cost:
Short-term: $20–$50 USD per night for rentals near the main square.
Long-term: $350–$700 USD per month for spacious apartments.
6. Los Altos del Poblado
Vibe: An exclusive and tranquil area in the upper part of El Poblado. Offers stunning city views, luxurious homes, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Who It’s For: Wealthier expats, families, or those seeking high-end, serene living.
Cost:
Short-term: $80–$200 USD per night for luxury rentals.
Long-term: $1,000–$3,000 USD per month for modern apartments or houses with high-end amenities.
7. Centro (La Candelaria)
Vibe: The historic and commercial heart of Medellín. It’s bustling, gritty, and full of energy, with lots of markets and local life.
Who It’s For: Adventurous travelers and those looking for the cheapest accommodations.
Cost:
Short-term: $10–$30 USD per night for basic hostels or budget hotels.
Long-term: $200–$500 USD per month for basic apartments.
8. San Javier (Comuna 13)
Vibe: A vibrant area famous for its street art, history, and community-driven transformation. It’s become a major tourist spot for guided tours.
Who It’s For: Artists, adventurers, or visitors drawn to its cultural significance.
Cost:
Short-term: $15–$50 USD per night for guesthouses or local stays.
Long-term: $250–$600 USD per month for apartments.
Food and Dining in Medellín
Medellín offers a food scene that’s both diverse and affordable, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals whether you’re dining out or cooking at home. From traditional Colombian dishes to international flavors, the city has something to satisfy every craving.
Dining Out
Local Eats: The best way to immerse yourself in Medellín’s food culture is by trying the "menu del día" (daily menu) at small local restaurants. For just $3–$5, you’ll get a hearty meal that typically includes soup, a main dish with protein, rice, plantains, a small salad, and a drink. These meals are filling, flavorful, and easy on the wallet.
Mid-Range Dining: If you’re in the mood for something a little more refined, mid-range restaurants in neighborhoods like Laureles or El Poblado offer international cuisines and elevated Colombian dishes. Expect to pay $10–$20 per meal at these spots.
Fine Dining: For a special night out, Medellín has a growing number of high-end restaurants offering gourmet dining experiences. A three-course meal at an upscale venue might cost around $30–$60 per person.
Groceries
For those who prefer to cook at home, Medellín’s markets and supermarkets provide fresh, affordable options.
Local Markets: Markets like Minorista and La Placita de Flórez are excellent for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. The prices are lower than supermarkets, and the produce is often fresher. You can stock up on basics for about $150/month if you primarily shop at markets.
Supermarkets: Chain stores like Exito, D1, and Carulla offer a mix of local and international products. Monthly grocery costs for one person range from $150–$250, depending on your preferences.
Special Treats and Cafés
Medellín has a thriving café culture, thanks to its location in Colombia’s coffee-growing region.
Coffee Shops: A cup of high-quality, locally sourced coffee costs just $2–$3 at trendy cafés in El Poblado or Laureles. Many spots also offer pastries and desserts that pair perfectly with your brew.
Street Food: Don’t miss the local street food scene, which includes empanadas (about $0.50 each), arepas con queso ($1–$2), and fresh fruit juices ($1–$3). These are quick, affordable, and packed with flavor.
Bakeries: Medellín’s bakeries are a hidden gem, offering a variety of fresh bread, croissants, and Colombian favorites like buñuelos and pandebono for under $1 each.
Transportation in Medellín
Medellín boasts one of the most impressive and accessible transportation systems in Latin America, making it easy and affordable to navigate the city. Medellín has something to suit every need and budget.
Metro System
The Medellín Metro is a source of pride for locals and a favorite among visitors for its efficiency and cleanliness.
Cost-Effective: A single ride costs just $0.75, making it one of the most affordable metro systems in the world. A monthly pass, which costs around $25, is a great option for regular commuters.
Coverage: The metro network includes trains, cable cars (Metrocable), and trams, allowing you to reach even the more remote neighborhoods, like Santo Domingo or Parque Arví in the hills.
Convenience: Operating from 4:30 AM to 11 PM, it’s a reliable way to avoid traffic while enjoying scenic views, especially on the cable cars.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps
Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available and reasonably priced in Medellín.
Taxis: Metered taxis are plentiful, with starting rates at around $1 and most trips within the city costing $3–$6. While safe and convenient, be sure to check that the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are popular alternatives. They tend to be slightly cheaper than traditional taxis, with fares starting at $2 for short trips. These services are also more reliable for accurate pricing and safety.
Scooters and Bikes
For eco-conscious or adventurous travelers, Medellín offers electric scooters and bike rentals as convenient ways to explore the city.
Electric Scooters: Available for rent through apps like Lime or Movo, these scooters cost about $0.10 per minute. They’re perfect for short trips around areas like Laureles or El Poblado.
Cycling Infrastructure: Medellín has made significant efforts to become bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and public bike rentals. The EnCicla bike-sharing system is free for residents and visitors after registration, though time limits apply.
Buses and Collectivos
Medellín’s extensive bus network and shared minivans (collectivos) are ideal for reaching places not covered by the metro.
Buses: Tickets cost about $0.75 per ride. While buses can be crowded and a bit challenging for newcomers, they are an affordable way to explore more local areas.
Collectivos: These shared vans operate on fixed routes and are great for reaching destinations outside the city, like Guatapé or Santa Elena. Prices vary depending on distance, typically ranging from $2–$5.
Walking and Alternative Options
Medellín’s mild climate makes walking a pleasant way to explore certain neighborhoods. Areas like Laureles and Provenza in El Poblado are pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of cafés and shops along the way. For longer distances, however, the hilly terrain in some areas might be challenging.
Entertainment and Leisure in Medellín
Medellín is a city that caters to all types of interests, whether you’re into fitness, nightlife, cultural exploration or outdoor adventures. With plenty of affordable options, you can enjoy an active and engaging lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Fitness and Wellness
Staying active in Medellín is easy with a variety of gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor workout spots.
Gyms:
Many gyms in the city offer affordable monthly memberships ranging from $20–$50, depending on the location and amenities.
Larger chain gyms like Smart Fit are popular for their affordability and modern equipment, while boutique studios specializing in yoga, pilates, or CrossFit might cost $60–$100 per month.
Outdoor Fitness:
For free or low-cost alternatives, Medellín’s parks, like Parque Ciudad del Río and Parque de Los Pies Descalzos, have outdoor gym equipment and open spaces for running or group workouts.
Tours and Attractions
Medellín offers a rich mix of cultural and natural attractions, many of which are accessible on a budget.
Cultural Tours:
A guided tour of Comuna 13 costs around $20–$30, offering insights into the area’s history, transformation, and vibrant street art.
Historical tours of the Museum of Antioquia or walking tours in the city center are often free or operate on a pay-what-you-wish model.
Day Trips:
A visit to Guatapé, famous for its colorful streets and El Peñol Rock, costs around $25–$50 for a full-day guided tour, including transportation and lunch.
Other affordable day trips include exploring Santa Elena for its flower farms or hiking to Arví Park, which is accessible via the Metrocable for under $10.
Nightlife and Social Scene
Medellín is known for its lively nightlife, with options ranging from trendy bars to buzzing dance clubs.
Bars and Drinks:
Bars in El Poblado and Laureles serve cocktails and beers for $3–$5, making them affordable places to unwind with friends.
For a more local vibe, try cantinas in neighborhoods like Envigado, where drinks are even cheaper.
Clubs and Dancing:
Most clubs in Medellín don’t charge an entry fee or cost under $10 to get in. Salsa and reggaeton dominate the dance floors, especially in hotspots like Provenza or Calle 70 in Laureles.
For salsa enthusiasts, Son Havana in Laureles is a must-visit for authentic live music and dancing.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Surrounded by mountains, Medellín is a gateway to incredible natural experiences.
Hiking:
Explore trails in nearby Cerro El Volador or Parque Arví for stunning views and fresh air. Entry to these parks is free or costs a small fee.
Guided hiking tours in the region range from $10–$30, depending on the distance and difficulty.
Adventure Sports:
Try paragliding over the Aburrá Valley for an unforgettable experience, starting at $50–$80 per flight.
Sample Monthly Budget for Living in Medellín
Here’s a breakdown of a typical budget for a digital nomad or expat living in Medellín. This budget assumes a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle, balancing affordability with enjoying the city’s amenities.
Accommodation: $800–$1,200
A modern 1–2 bedroom apartment in El Poblado or Laureles, including utilities if part of the rental agreement.
For budget-conscious nomads, apartments in Envigado or Belén can cost $500–$800, reducing this expense.
Food: $250–$350
Groceries: $150–$250/month for shopping at markets or chain supermarkets.
Dining Out: $3–$5 for local meals or $10–$20 for mid-range dining, with 5–10 meals out per month factored in.
Transportation: $50–$70
Public Transit: $25/month for metro and bus rides.
Ride-Sharing: $2–$5 per trip, using apps like DiDi or Uber occasionally.
Walking and Scooters: Free or minimal cost.
Entertainment and Leisure: $100–$150
Gym Membership: $20–$50 at a local gym.
Nightlife and Social Activities: $30–$50, including drinks and club entries.
Tours and Day Trips: $50–$80 for occasional guided trips to places like Guatapé or Comuna 13.
Adjusting the Budget
Low-Budget Lifestyle (~$1,200/month):
Accommodation: $600–$800 in neighborhoods like Belén or Sabaneta.
Food: Stick to local markets and menu del día options.
Entertainment: Focus on free or low-cost activities like hiking or public events.
Luxury Lifestyle (~$2,500/month):
Accommodation: $1,500+ for high-end apartments in Los Altos del Poblado.
Dining: Frequent upscale restaurants and specialty cafés.
Entertainment: Include premium gym memberships, spa visits, and frequent day trips.
Conclusion
With its year-round spring-like weather, stunning mountain views, and a community of expats and locals eager to share their city, Medellín offers an unmatched quality of life for digital nomads and travelers.
From savoring affordable and delicious local cuisine to immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods like Laureles or El Poblado, Medellín combines the best of culture, comfort, and connectivity. The city’s excellent infrastructure, including a top-notch metro system and reliable internet, makes it a perfect base for work and exploration. And with an affordable cost of living, you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle without stretching your budget.
Whether you’re hiking in Parque Arví, learning salsa in a local club, or soaking up the café culture while working remotely, Medellín strikes the perfect balance between affordability, adventure, and modern amenities.