Medellín: Six Months Living in the City of Eternal Spring
After hearing the hype about Medellín for years, I finally spent half a year there. Here's the honest truth about digital nomad life in Colombia.
Everyone told me Medellín would change my perspective. The “City of Eternal Spring” with perfect weather year-round, affordable living, and a thriving digital nomad community. I went in skeptical. Six months later, I’m still here.
The Setup
Costs (monthly average)
| Expense | USD |
|---|---|
| Apartment (El Poblado) | $900 |
| Food (groceries + restaurants) | $350 |
| Coworking space | $150 |
| Transportation | $50 |
| Entertainment | $200 |
| Total | $1,650 |
For context, that’s less than half my monthly costs in San Francisco.
The Good
Weather: They don’t call it Eternal Spring for nothing. Year-round 70-75°F. I haven’t owned a jacket in six months.
Walkability: Laureles and El Poblado neighborhoods are incredibly walkable. I walk almost everywhere, averaging 8,000 steps daily without trying.
Food: The restaurants are incredible for the price. A sit-down dinner with drinks runs $15-20. My favorite areta (Colombian steakhouse) is $8.
Community: The digital nomad scene is real. Every café has someone on a laptop. Coworking spaces like Selina and WeWork are packed. Networking happens organically.
The Challenges
Visa runs: As a US citizen, you get 90 days in, 90 days out. Every 6 months, I need to leave the country. Bogotá, Cartagena, or Panama City breaks are required.
Spanish: You’ll struggle without it. My intermediate Spanish helped enormously, but the deeper conversations (medical issues, legal matters) required a translator app.
Safety: This is real. I was pickpocketed once near the Metro. Never walk with your phone in hand. Be aware of your surroundings. It’s not dangerous if you’re smart, but it’s not Vancouver either.
Internet: Fiber is common in nice neighborhoods, but check before signing a lease. My apartment has 100Mbps for $25/month. Some places still have 5Mbps DSL.
Favorite Spots
For work:
- Pergamino Café - Best coffee, reliable wifi, laptop-friendly
- Casa Kiwi - Coworking vibes without the coworking price
For weekends:
- Guatapé - Day trip to the colorful town and El Peñón
- Santa Fe Mall - For when you need AC and familiar brands
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with caveats. Medellín is perfect for:
- Remote workers with established income
- Spanish learners (immersion is unmatched)
- Anyone burned out by expensive Western cities
It’s not ideal for:
- Those who need stability (visa situation is annoying)
- People who don’t vibe with Latin American culture
- Anyone expecting “America but cheaper”
The nomad life isn’t about finding perfection. It’s about finding what works for you. Medellín worked for me.