⚖️ City comparison
Atlanta vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving Atlanta for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with Atlanta on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 50% cheaper: $1,644 vs $3,298 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $1,976 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 7.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 8°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 52°F in Atlanta; hottest 82°F vs 90°F).
- Residents rate Medellín safer: a safety index of 46 vs 36 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Atlanta: 391 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Atlanta: PM2.5 of 7.8 vs 13.4 µg/m³ a year.
- To live in Medellín you'd need a visa: Colombia offers the Digital Nomad Visa (V type) ($1,400/mo), and 90 days visa-free to look around first.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇺🇸 Atlanta | 🇨🇴 Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 55 | 72 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $3,298 | $1,644 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,976 | $916 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,322 | $728 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 7 | 11 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 52–90°F | 79–82°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 36/100 (residents) | 46/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 391 Mbps | 315 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 7.8 µg/m³ | 13.4 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Official language | Low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | Very low |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | In the US | ~3h to Miami |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 7 h | 8 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | You live here | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Not needed | Digital Nomad Visa (V type) |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | US tax as now | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 39% |
Best months to be there
🇺🇸 Atlanta
4 best months
🇨🇴 Medellín
12 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Atlanta climate · Medellín climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
Add a third or fourth city: open this comparison in the interactive view →