Medellín is one of the top spots for digital nomads in 2025. Here's why:
Top Neighborhoods:
Quick Comparison:
Feature | El Poblado | Laureles | Envigado |
---|---|---|---|
Cost of Living | High | Moderate | Low |
Internet | Excellent | Reliable | Solid |
Vibe | Modern | Local | Peaceful |
Coworking Costs | $6.27–$172.22 | $7.03–$112.47 | $50.97–$298.77 |
Medellín offers a mix of affordability, reliable infrastructure, and a growing community of over 8,000 remote workers. Whether you're drawn to the weather, the cost of living, or the coworking scene, it's a great option for digital nomads.
Medellín enjoys a steady, mild climate with an average temperature of 72.5°F, thanks to its 4,900-foot elevation and proximity to the equator. This pleasant weather means there's usually no need for heating or air conditioning. Microclimates add some variety: areas like El Centro and Laureles-Estadio tend to be warmer, while neighborhoods such as El Poblado, Envigado, and Sabaneta are cooler. The city also maintains an average humidity of around 67.5%.
Medellín's weather patterns are fairly predictable, with two rainy seasons - April through May and September through November - and a drier spell from December to March.
Season | Months | Temp (°F) | Rainfall (in) | Humidity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dry Season | December – March | 71–72 | 4.21–6.30 | 83–84% |
First Rainy Season | April – May | 73 | 8.17–8.56 | 84–85% |
Mid-Year Transition | June – August | 73 | 6.47–7.16 | 79–81% |
Second Rainy Season | September – November | 71–73 | 7.00–8.71 | 81–86% |
During the wettest months, expect rain on at least 21 days, but showers are typically brief, leaving plenty of time for daily activities.
Making the most of Medellín's climate can improve both your work and leisure time. Here are a few tips:
With its stable climate, Medellín offers a welcoming environment year-round. The dry season is particularly ideal for enjoying outdoor cafes and unwinding after work.
Medellín offers a dependable internet infrastructure, featuring a median fixed broadband download speed of 130.53 Mbps and an upload speed of 33.06 Mbps. These speeds are sufficient for tasks like video calls, file sharing, and other remote work needs, though slightly slower than Cartagena (146.74 Mbps) and Bogotá (132.47 Mbps). Here's a quick breakdown of the current internet performance:
Metric | Performance |
---|---|
Download Speed | 130.53 Mbps |
Upload Speed | 33.06 Mbps |
Multi-Server Latency | 31 ms |
Internet quality can differ depending on the neighborhood. Here are some of the best areas for digital nomads who need stable and fast connectivity:
For those on the go, mobile internet options provide additional flexibility.
Mobile networks in Colombia are an essential backup for remote workers. The three major providers offer broad coverage and various plans:
Tips for Mobile Connectivity
When choosing a coworking space, think about the following:
Location and Accessibility
The area you pick shapes your daily experience. El Poblado has plenty of options, typically at higher prices, while Laureles offers a more local feel with reasonable rates. If you're after a quieter, more residential vibe that's also budget-friendly, Envigado is a great choice.
Budget Considerations
Costs vary widely. Daily passes range from US $6.27 to US $10.54, while monthly memberships fall between US $50.97 and US $298.77.
Essential Amenities
Key features to look for include:
Use these points to assess the coworking spaces listed below.
Space Name | Location | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
NOI Coworking | Poblado | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing | Eco-friendly design, soundproof booths, 4.7/5 rating |
Selina | Poblado | US $10.54 | US $79.07–US $168.69 | Stylish interiors, full amenities |
NODO | Envigado | Contact for pricing | US $50.97–US $298.77 | Quiet, modern, budget-friendly |
FrendaColectivo | Laureles | US $7.03 | US $112.47 | Cozy, local vibe, creative atmosphere |
Global Express Center | Poblado | US $6.27 | US $172.22 | Professional setting, central location |
Living costs in Medellín can vary depending on the neighborhood. Here's a breakdown of 2025 costs:
Housing & Neighborhoods: Renting a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in El Poblado will cost between $800–$1,100/month, while unfurnished options range from $470–$700/month. For more affordable options, consider Laureles and Envigado, which are about 10% cheaper, or Estadio and Sabaneta, which can save you around 20% compared to El Poblado.
Pro Tip: Renting directly from local landlords can help you save 30–50% on accommodation costs.
Expense Category | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
---|---|---|---|
Housing | $300–$500 | $600–$1,200 | $1,500+ |
Food | $150–$250 | $300–$500 | $800+ |
Transport | $40–$80 | $100–$200 | $300+ |
Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $50–$80 | $100+ |
Entertainment | $50–$150 | $200–$400 | $600+ |
Monthly Total | $800–$1,200 | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,000+ |
Daily Living Costs:
Once you've mapped out your budget, the next step is understanding visa requirements for a longer stay.
Besides managing your expenses, you'll need to handle the legalities of staying in Colombia. The digital nomad visa is a great option for remote workers.
Here’s what you’ll need for the Visa V (valid for up to two years):
Important: This visa does not allow work for Colombian companies. Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay for 90 days, extendable to 180 days, without the Visa V.
Colombia is known for its quality healthcare, ranking #22 globally. Remote workers have access to excellent medical services through several options:
English-Speaking Services: DoctorsForExpats offers convenient care:
For urgent care, Colombia provides affordable services:
Colombia is home to 23 of Latin America's top 58 hospitals. U.S. veterans can also find specialized support at the HCA Clinic in Sabaneta.
With insights into weather, connectivity, and coworking in mind, let's weigh the benefits and challenges of choosing Medellín for your remote work journey.
Medellín continues to attract a growing community of over 8,000 remote workers as of 2025. Here's why:
Despite its appeal, Medellín presents some challenges for digital nomads:
Challenge | Impact | Solution |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Poor air quality in valley areas | Opt for higher-elevation neighborhoods |
Safety Concerns | Risk of petty crime in some areas | Stay alert and avoid risky situations |
Housing Contracts | Complex rental agreements | Use reputable agencies or co-living spaces |
Pro Tip: For a more local experience and improved air quality, check out neighborhoods like Laureles. They also offer reliable internet, making them a great alternative to El Poblado.
Medellín's role as a digital nomad destination continues to grow, driven by key trends: