⚖️ City comparison
New York vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving New York for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with New York on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 72% cheaper: $1,644 vs $5,970 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $4,285 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 6.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 16°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 41°F in New York; hottest 82°F vs 88°F).
- Residents rate New York safer: a safety index of 49 vs 46 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in New York: 390 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in New York: PM2.5 of 7.9 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 | 🇨🇴 Medellín | 🇺🇸 New York |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 72 | 53 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,644 | $5,970 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $916 | $4,285 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $728 | $1,685 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 11 | 6 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 79–82°F | 41–88°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 46/100 (residents) | 49/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 315 Mbps | 390 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 13.4 µg/m³ | 7.9 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Low (EF) | Official language |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Very low | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~3h to Miami | In the US |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 8 h | 7 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | You live here |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (V type) | Not needed |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 39% | US tax as now |
Best months to be there
🇨🇴 Medellín
12 best months
🇺🇸 New York
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Medellín climate · New York 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 →