Pros and Cons of Living in Medellin
Last updated on Jun 01, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Medellin, Colombia include its temperate climate, its vibrant culture, its low cost of living, and its friendly people. The cons of living in Medellin include its high crime rate, its air pollution, and its limited public transportation options.
What are the pros and cons of living in Medellin?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Medellin responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Medellin often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the city's temperate climate, which allows them to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Additionally, Medellin is known for its excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's high levels of air pollution and crime to be a downside," wrote one expat in Medellin.
"Like: The weather is awesome. Public transportation is excellent both locally and other cities. Domestic airfare is cheap as well. The Colombian people could be the nicest people anywhere. The city is really clean (coming from Boquete, Panama, that is so refreshing) and you can drink the water out of the tap. Utilities and wifi is modern and efficient. Appointments run on time, no "latin time" here but many businesses close 2 hours for lunch. The country itself is amazing from the Caribbean beaches to the Amazon in Leticia. The cost of living is very low. Even without insurance, doctor's and prescription medicine are very low cost. Don't Like: The pollution is bad. Sometimes it's worse than bad. There's pica-placa (cars can only be used in the city based on the last digit of your tag) but there's so much traffic, it has no effect. With all the great things Medellin has to offer, it's pollution that is causing us to move. ," explained one expat living in Medellin.

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What do expats in Medellin appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Medellin appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is characterized by its friendly and welcoming people. They also enjoy the city's rich history, which is evident in its colonial architecture and traditional festivals. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of flavors and ingredients. Finally, expats enjoy the city's mild climate, which allows them to enjoy outdoor activities year-round," explained one expat living in Medellin.
"I find people here to be very warm and inclusive, when you meet a family you always become one of them right away and they are your friends from then on," said one expat in Medellin.
"Lots of really friendly people in Colombia, If you are lost you must not be surprised if someone escorts you for half an hour to take you where you wanted to go," said a person living in Medellin.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Medellin often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Many locals speak Spanish as their primary language, and it can be difficult for expats to communicate with them without a basic understanding of the language. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate for those who are not familiar with them. Expats may also find the local cuisine to be unfamiliar and challenging to adjust to. Finally, the climate in Medellin can be quite different from what expats are used to, and they may find it difficult to adjust to the heat and humidity," said one person in Medellin.
"The language is a problem but of course it become less as I learn. One must be very careful as to where you go do to the problems of crime," remarked one expat in Medellin.
"Finding a balanced social network can be difficult when you only hang with the Gringos," explained one expat living in Medellin.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Medellin
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Medellin
- 5 Tips For Living in Medellin, Colombia
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Colombia
- Best Places to Visit in Colombia for Christmas Cheer
- What It's Like Living in Medellin
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Colombia