⚖️ City comparison
Los Angeles vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving Los Angeles for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with Los Angeles on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 59% cheaper: $1,644 vs $3,994 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $2,534 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 10.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 4°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 64°F in Los Angeles; hottest 82°F vs 90°F).
- Internet is faster in Los Angeles: 404 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Los Angeles: PM2.5 of 9.9 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 | 🇺🇸 Los Angeles | 🇨🇴 Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 55 | 72 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $3,994 | $1,644 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $2,534 | $916 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,460 | $728 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 10 | 11 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 64–90°F | 79–82°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 46/100 (residents) | 46/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 404 Mbps | 315 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 9.9 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 | 6 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
🇺🇸 Los Angeles
4 best months
🇨🇴 Medellín
12 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Los Angeles 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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