⚖️ City comparison
San Diego vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving San Diego for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with San Diego on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 65% cheaper: $1,644 vs $4,738 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $3,373 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- San Diego has more pleasant weather: 12 pleasant months a year vs 11.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 11°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 62°F in San Diego; hottest 82°F vs 78°F).
- Residents rate San Diego safer: a safety index of 60 vs 46 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- The air is cleaner in San Diego: PM2.5 of 6.9 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 | 🇺🇸 San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 72 | 61 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,644 | $4,738 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $916 | $3,373 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $728 | $1,365 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 11 | 12 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 79–82°F | 62–78°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 46/100 (residents) | 60/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 315 Mbps | 360 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 13.4 µg/m³ | 6.9 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
🇺🇸 San Diego
6 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Medellín climate · San Diego climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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