⚖️ City comparison
San Jose vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving San Jose for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with San Jose on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 65% cheaper: $1,644 vs $4,656 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $3,135 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 10.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 8°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 59°F in San Jose; hottest 82°F vs 85°F).
- Residents rate San Jose safer: a safety index of 52 vs 46 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in San Jose: 419 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in San Jose: PM2.5 of 5.4 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 Jose |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 72 | 57 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,644 | $4,656 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $916 | $3,135 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $728 | $1,521 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 11 | 10 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 79–82°F | 59–85°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 46/100 (residents) | 52/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 315 Mbps | 419 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 13.4 µg/m³ | 5.4 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 Jose
6 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Medellín climate · San Jose climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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