I lived in Medellín for almost 3 months, and it’s quickly become one of the top destinations for digital nomads in Latin America. With its year-round spring-like weather, affordable cost of living, and growing expat community, it’s no wonder remote workers are flocking to the “City of Eternal Spring.” In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about living in Medellín as a digital nomad, from visa options and cost of living to the best neighbourhoods and cafes.

 

Why Choose Medellín as a Digital Nomad?

 

Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to major cities in the U.S. or Europe, Medellín offers a much lower cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life.

 

 

Great Weather

Thanks to its altitude, Medellín enjoys a pleasant climate all year round.

 

Reliable Internet

The city has a growing infrastructure for remote work, with fast and stable WiFi in most apartments and coworking spaces.

 

 

Vibrant Expat & Nomad Community

You’ll find plenty of networking events, language exchanges, and meetups.

 

 

Stunning Nature & Adventure Opportunities

From nearby mountains to coffee farms, there’s always something to explore.

 

 

 

Cost of Living in Medellín

 

One of the biggest draws for digital nomads is Medellín’s affordability. Here’s a breakdown of estimated monthly costs for a single person:

Note: Costs vary depending on your lifestyle and neighborhood choice.

 

 

 

Visa Options for Digital Nomads

Medellín does not currently offer a specific “digital nomad visa,” but there are several visa options to consider:

 

Tourist Visa (Entry Stamp):

Most nationalities can stay in Colombia visa-free for 90 days upon arrival.
You can apply for a 90-day extension online, allowing you to stay for up to 180 days per year.

 

 

Migrant (M) Visa for Remote Workers (New Digital Nomad Visa):

As of late 2022, Colombia introduced a digital nomad visa (M visa) that allows remote workers to stay for up to 2 years.

Requirements: Proof of employment or self-employment outside Colombia, minimum income of $684/month (as of 2024), and health insurance.

 

 

M Visa (Business/Entrepreneur):

If you plan to start a business in Colombia.

 

 

Rentista Visa:

For those with passive income of 3x the minimum wage (~$900/month).

 

 

Student Visa:

If you enroll in a university or Spanish language program.

For official visa information, check Colombia’s Cancillería website or consult an immigration lawyer.

 

 

 

Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads in Medellín

Choosing the right neighborhood is key to enjoying life in Medellín. Here are the top areas for digital nomads:

 

 

1. El Poblado (Best for First-Timers & Social Life)

– Pros: Safe, modern, full of cafes, coworking spaces, nightlife, and expat-friendly.
– Cons: More expensive, can feel “touristy.”

 

I found that a lot of the events, meetups, and language exchanges I attended were located in El Poblado, making it super convenient to live nearby. I personally lived in Manila, a sub-neighborhood within El Poblado. Manila felt much less touristy and more residential, but it was still close to all the restaurants, coworking spaces, and social activities—a perfect balance.

 

 

2. Laureles (Best for a Local & Chill Vibes)

 

– Pros: Green, walkable, less touristy, excellent restaurants, and more affordable.
– Cons: Nightlife is less vibrant than El Poblado.

 

 

3. Envigado (Best for a Quiet, Residential Feel)

– Pros: Safe, local, family-friendly, and slightly cheaper.
– Cons: Further from the city center.

 

 

4. Belén (Best for Budget-Conscious Nomads)

– Pros: Very affordable, local vibe, good public transport access.
– Cons: Fewer coworking spaces, can be less convenient for socializing.

 

 

 

Cafés for Digital Nomads

 

While I know many nomads like coworking spaces, I prefer working from cafés and didn’t want to recommend coworking spots I haven’t personally tried. That said, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Medellín’s café scene, and here are some of my favorites:

 

 

Pergamino (El Poblado & Laureles)

Great coffee, strong WiFi, always busy. You can find locations both in El Poblado and Laureles

 

 

Café 11:11 Despertar (El Poblado)

– Calm, welcoming rooftop cafe with excellent coffee.

 

 

Hija Mia (El Poblado) 

– There are several Hija Mias within El Poblado. My favourite was Nomada, which has a large outdoor space to work and is normally very quiet. The coffee is also amazing!

 

I loved these spots so much that I pretty much rotated between the three during my time in Medellín.

 

 

 

Final Tips for Living in Medellín as a Digital Nomad

 

1. Get a SIM Card — Claro and Tigo offer the best coverage for mobile data.
2. Use Public Transport — The Metro system is affordable and efficient.
3. Learn Basic Spanish — While many locals speak English in tourist areas, knowing some Spanish makes life easier.
4. Be Cautious with Safety — Medellín is generally safe in expat areas, but always stay aware of your surroundings.
5. Join Digital Nomad Groups— Check out Facebook groups like “Medellín Digital Nomads” to connect with others. I also use the app Meetup a lot to find local events when travelling

 

Final Thoughts

 

Medellín is an incredible city for digital nomads, offering a perfect balance of affordability, lifestyle, and remote work infrastructure. Whether you’re staying for a few months or considering a longer-term move, this city has everything you need to thrive as a digital nomad.

 

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it! Got any questions? Drop them in the comments below!