Are you looking for the ideal digital nomad spot in 2023? Medellín is the perfect city to make the switch to the digital nomad lifestyle while living the life of your dreams.

I just spent two months living and working in Medellín Colombia and can honestly say that it is one of my favourite remote work spots in the whole world. Great food, incredible nightlife and a festival atmosphere – and that’s just a thursday night!

In this guide, discover why Medellín is the leading destination for digital nomads in 2023.

Top 3 Things To Do in Medellín

Medellin Digital Nomad Guide

Why Work Remotely in Medellín?

If you’re considering a move to Medellín, Colombia as a digital nomad, you’re in luck.

The city boasts plenty of features and benefits for those who work remotely – from tons of coworking spaces to free events, lively culture and amazing weather.

Medellín has established itself as one of the most livable cities in South America for digital nomads.

Low cost of living, low taxes on income earned overseas, excellent healthcare system and exceptional infrastructure makes it appealing to tech workers looking for a change of scenery with the same access and professionalism they would find at home.

Combined with its stunning physical location and inspiring cultural attractions, Medellín is an ideal destination.

The city also provides plenty of green areas and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or rafting whenever you want to take a break.

Cost of Living in Medellín

The cost of living in Medellín is one of the most attractive things about living here as a digital nomad.

Medellín follows a non-traditional cost of living structure, meaning that prices fluctuate and vary based on neighborhood. Generally speaking, people renting in El Poblado – the most popular area for foreigners – will pay more than those living outside this area.

Accommodation

Rent for a one bedroom apartment in most of the city can average anywhere from $400–$750 USD per month without utilities.

The same apartment located in El Poblado will usually be around $600–$900 USD and come with additional fees for amenities like fitness centers or pools.

Transport

Transportation is very affordable as most taxi fares are no more than COP$2,000 (about .66 USD).

You can also use an app such as Uber or Beat for added convenience, although these services may be slightly pricier than public transit.

Groceries & Eating Out

Groceries typically range from $200-$300 USD per month depending on where you shop and what items you buy.

Eating out in Medellín is generally very affordable, with most meals costing between $5-$10 per person (without drinks). However, there is a whole range of dining options available and you can definitely pay on the higher end for the more fine-dining experiences ($100+).

Overall, neighborhoods like El Poblado tend to have higher prices than other areas.

If you’re looking to stay on a budget while travelling through Medellín it may be beneficial to explore areas beyond El Poblado and find accommodation within your means while still maintaining safety and comfortability during your digital nomad journey!

How to Move to Medellín

Visa Requirements

The first step is to consider all of your legal requirements, such as getting a visa or residence permit to stay in Colombia long-term.

We recommended that you contact an experienced lawyer specializing in local laws on visas and immigrants to ensure that you are complying with all applicable regulations so that your stay runs smoothly.

Once your legal matters are taken care of, it’s important for you to familiarize yourself with the cost of living so that you can prepare accordingly and know what kind of budgeting will be necessary.

Finding A Long Term Rental

Researching reliable housing sources near the recommended areas for digital nomads is essential, so that it will be easy for you to find suitable accommodation quickly and make the transition smoother after arrival.

The four most popular areas for foreigners in Medellín are El Poblado, Laureles, Sabaneta and Envigado.

Finding Somewhere to Work

You should also look into various coworking spaces available in Medellín as these hubs provide access to high-speed internet connections, modern facilities, networking events and other social activities which can prove hugely helpful straight after moving here.

After all, coworking spaces are a great way of meeting new people!

Health Insurance

It’s also hugely important not to forget about health-care and travel insurance.

Find yourself a travel insurance that also includes health cover outside of your home country.

For just $1.50 per day and complete cover, we recommend Safety Wing.

How to Find a Place to Live in Medellín

With an increasing number of travellers arriving in Medellín every year, it’s become easier than ever to find short-term or permanent rental solutions.

AirBnb

One of the most popular rental options for digital nomads is renting through AirBnB.

This offers the opportunity to stay for any amount of time, whether it’s for a month or even just awhile weekend getaway!

Self-check-in accommodates their preference for convenience and privacy when travelling, as it allows you to reserve and manage your booking online with no physical contact needed at check-in or check-out times.

Airbnb also has its own additional insurance policy that covers loss from certain events such as natural disasters and theft, making it a safer option for digital nomads looking for accommodations in Medellín.

Finding Longer Term Rentals

While longer term rent may be available too through locally specialised real estate agents; make sure contracts are reviewed by legal professionals before signing any agreement or committing to a long term contract.

The best place to start looking is on Facebook, with groups dedicated to long term rentals in Medellin. This is where you will get the best value.

Choosing the right type of accommodation can help you easily transition into life as a digital nomad in Medellín so make sure you research your options thoroughly before committing to anywhere!

What is the Internet Speed in Medellín?

Medellín has quickly become one of Colombia’s most digitally advanced cities and is considered a digital hub for many remote workers.

Medellín Wifi Speed

Internet speed in Medellín is generally very good, with the average speed being 16 MBPS and higher. The availability of the fiber optic network (FTTH) enables many locations in the city to have higher speed access.

Depending on location, some people are able to get speeds up to 200 MBPS. This makes it easy for remote workers who need a reliable and fast connection for their work.

You can check the latest speeds on Nomad List

Things to do in Medellín

Medellín is known for its stunning botanical gardens, vibrant culture and stunning mountain backdrop. The lively city center also has plenty of latin bars and restaurants to explore.

There are also picaderos with flamenco, as well as popular spots like Plaza Botero, which is great for people watching.

For nature lovers, the abundance of nearby parks and reserves offer plenty of opportunity to escape into the outdoors.

Take a day trip on the cable cars to Parque Arvi, or go further afield and take in the beauty of Guatape’s Piedra del Peñol – one of the tallest monoliths in the world.

You could also try skydiving from Rio Negro Airport or taking a helicopter ride over Medellín – two unique experiences that will remain with you forever!

Try discovering Medellín’s incredible grafitti by taking a walking tour through the famous Comuna 13 neighbourhood – an urban adventure full of Local Street Art!

Is Medellín Safe?

When considering uprooting to Medellín, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether it is safe for digital nomads. Medellín has come a long way in the past decades and is now considered one of the safest cities in Colombia and South America as a whole.

The winter months between October and February are typically considered to be peak tourism season in Medellín, but digital nomads can find safety and city comforts throughout the entire year.

As with any location, there are certain areas that should be avoided by tourists and casual visitors.

Digital nomads should also remain aware of basic safety advice before heading out in public such as not wearing flashy clothing or jewelry that may appear valuable to potential thieves.

Additionally, tourist locations such as parks or other well-known attractions can become crowded during peak hours so it’s important to remain mindful when exploring these areas.

Safety should always be taken seriously when traveling, but thankfully there are many resources available through local agencies or private companies which may assist visitors with tips on staying safe while travelling throughout Colombia.

It’s also important to stay up-to-date with travel alerts issued by the Colombian government, embassy contacts or international advisories issued by your home country as events can change rapidly.

Why Move to Medellín as a Digital Nomad?

Moving to Medellín as a digital nomad has been growing in popularity over the past few years, as the city has become a go-to destination for remote work.

Those looking to experience life in South America, while still enjoying the flexible lifestyle of a digital nomad, have been drawn to Medellín for its vibrant culture, warm climate and array of activities.

With affordable rental prices and no shortage of coworking spaces and tech hubs, Medellín is quite accommodating to those looking for an economic haven while still staying connected with the world.

So why move to Medellín as a digital nomad? Offering a low cost of living coupled with plenty of cultural activities and year round warm weather, it’s no wonder that this charming city has quickly become one of the hottest spots for remote work!

Medellín is included in our list of the Best Digital Nomad spots in the world

Frequently Asked Questions