⚖️ City comparison
Chicago vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving Chicago for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with Chicago on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 55% cheaper: $1,644 vs $3,676 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $2,407 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 21°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 32°F in Chicago; hottest 82°F vs 81°F).
- Residents rate Medellín safer: a safety index of 46 vs 35 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Chicago: 385 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Chicago: PM2.5 of 9.7 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 | 🇺🇸 Chicago | 🇨🇴 Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 49 | 72 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $3,676 | $1,644 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $2,407 | $916 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,269 | $728 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 4 | 11 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 32–81°F | 79–82°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 35/100 (residents) | 46/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 385 Mbps | 315 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 9.7 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 | 8 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
🇺🇸 Chicago
3 best months
🇨🇴 Medellín
12 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Chicago climate · Medellín climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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