Medellín has long attracted foreigners seeking lower costs without sacrificing quality of life. But rising popularity and inflation have changed the equation. This guide provides realistic 2025 costs, acknowledging that the budget expat paradise of 2015 has evolved into something more nuanced. It's still affordable—just not as dramatically cheap as outdated blog posts suggest.
Exchange rate used: 4,000 COP = $1 USD (rates fluctuate significantly)
Housing
| Type | Poblado/Laureles | Other Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR apartment (furnished) | $800-1,500/mo | $400-800/mo |
| 2BR apartment (furnished) | $1,200-2,500/mo | $600-1,200/mo |
| Airbnb (monthly) | $1,000-2,000/mo | $600-1,000/mo |
| Utilities | $50-100/mo | $30-60/mo |
| Internet (fiber) | $25-40/mo | $20-35/mo |
⚠️ Foreigner Pricing Reality
Landlords in expat areas often quote higher prices to foreigners. Speaking Spanish, searching in Spanish, and negotiating can save 20-30%. Avoid "gringo priced" listings by looking on local platforms like FincaRaiz rather than international sites.
Food & Dining
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Menu del día (lunch set menu) | $3-5 |
| Restaurant dinner (mid-range) | $10-20 |
| Restaurant dinner (upscale) | $25-50 |
| Street empanada | $0.50 |
| Local beer (restaurant) | $1.50-3 |
| Craft beer | $4-6 |
| Coffee (tinto) | $0.30-0.50 |
| Specialty coffee | $2-4 |
| Groceries (monthly, one person) | $150-250 |
Transportation
| Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| Metro/Metrocable single ride | $0.75 |
| Uber (typical Poblado ride) | $2-5 |
| Uber (across city) | $5-10 |
| Monthly metro pass | ~$30 |
| Taxi (flagfall + short ride) | $2-4 |
Healthcare
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Private doctor visit | $25-60 |
| Specialist visit | $40-100 |
| Private health insurance (monthly) | $50-200 |
| Dental cleaning | $20-40 |
| Gym membership | $30-80/mo |
💰 Monthly Budget Examples
Budget lifestyle: $1,000-1,500/month
Simple apartment outside main expat areas, cooking at home, using public transit, minimal dining out.
Comfortable lifestyle: $1,500-2,500/month
Nice apartment in Laureles or mid-Poblado, mix of cooking and restaurants, occasional entertainment, gym membership.
Upscale lifestyle: $3,000-5,000/month
Premium apartment, frequent dining out, domestic travel, higher-end services and entertainment.
The Reality Check
Medellín is still significantly cheaper than major US, Canadian, or European cities—particularly for housing, healthcare, and domestic help. But it's not the $500/month paradise some blogs claim. A comfortable lifestyle for a single person runs $1,500-2,000/month in expat-friendly areas; couples should budget $2,500-3,500.
The savings are real, but setting realistic expectations matters. Factor in flights home, travel insurance, visa costs, and the tendency to spend more than planned while enjoying a new city. Medellín offers excellent value—just not magical cheapness.