⚖️ City comparison
Portland vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving Portland for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with Portland on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 52% cheaper: $1,644 vs $3,416 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $2,063 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 6.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 17°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 45°F in Portland; hottest 82°F vs 85°F).
- Residents rate Medellín safer: a safety index of 46 vs 42 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Portland: 392 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Portland: PM2.5 of 4.9 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 | 🇺🇸 Portland |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 72 | 55 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,644 | $3,416 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $916 | $2,063 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $728 | $1,352 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 11 | 6 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 79–82°F | 45–85°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 46/100 (residents) | 42/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 315 Mbps | 392 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 13.4 µg/m³ | 4.9 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 | 6 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
🇺🇸 Portland
4 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Medellín climate · Portland climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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