⚖️ City comparison
Seattle vs Medellín
Thinking of leaving Seattle for Medellín? Here is how life in Medellín, Colombia compares with Seattle on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Medellín is 59% cheaper: $1,644 vs $4,048 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Medellín: $916 vs $2,470 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Medellín has more pleasant weather: 11 pleasant months a year vs 5.
- Medellín is warmer: highs average 20°F more across the year (coldest-month high 79°F vs 46°F in Seattle; hottest 82°F vs 79°F).
- Internet is faster in Seattle: 411 vs 315 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Seattle: PM2.5 of 4.5 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 | 🇺🇸 Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 72 | 51 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,644 | $4,048 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $916 | $2,470 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $728 | $1,579 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 11 | 5 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 79–82°F | 46–79°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 46/100 (residents) | 45/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 315 Mbps | 411 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 13.4 µg/m³ | 4.5 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
🇺🇸 Seattle
2 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Medellín climate · Seattle climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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