Hidden costs of living in Medellín: survival guide for digital nomads
Introduction
You already know that Medellín is affordable, has a nice climate, and is a popular city among digital nomads.
But what most blogs don’t tell you is that there are hidden costs you need to be aware of.
At SETTLING IN, we’ve helped dozens of nomads settle in smoothly, and part of that work involves warning them about certain situations so they don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises.
Housing contracts and deposits
By law, there are no deposits. The most common thing is for them to ask you, as a foreigner without a ‘local guarantor,’ for between 3 and 6 months’ rent in advance, even when the law does not require it. But it’s a way for them to cover their backs.
‘Furnished flats’ often have inflated utility bills or cleaning fees included in the contract by default. (Be sure to check both)
Some advertisements on Facebook groups are not reliable (trust a reputable relocation agency; it is better to be safe than sorry).
Some digital nomads and expats pay a lot when they leave the flat. Paying for reparations, maintenance, etc. Ask for a pre-inspection visit to avoid disagreeable experience. (Trust a reputable relocation agency; it is better to be safe than sorry)
How to avoid it: always ask for a written contract, verify the identity of the owner, and do not pay anything until you have seen the place in person or in videos provided by your relocation agent during a live remote visit agreed upon by you, better to schedule a pre-inspection visit with a local relocation agent before leaving the flat (trusted local support team).
Visas, extensions and paperwork
Exceeding the duration of your tourist permit can result in fines of more than 1,000,000 COP (about 250 USD).
You do not need to pay a ‘visa advisor’ high fees for information that is already available for free on the government website.
How to avoid it: check the official website of the Foreign Office or read our blog and that’s it.
Healthcare and emergencies
Colombia has good private healthcare, but not all clinics accept foreign insurance.
A simple visit to A&E can cost hundreds of dollars if you don’t know where to go.
How to avoid it: find out which hospitals in Medellín have international services, check which clinics are listed in your international health insurance, have a cheap complementary service for home ambulance transport, and have a local contact on hand for emergencies or to accompany you to appointments if you need it. (Better having a local guardian angel / expert advice is priceless.)
Good to know
1. Gyms, co-working spaces and Spanish schools usually have a registration fee in addition to the monthly fee.
2. Uber operates legally in Colombia, including Medellín, and its use is widespread with regulated pricing. However, because the regulatory framework is still being developed, drivers sometimes cancel (mainly outside central areas) to avoid checks. This can mean delays or having to pay extra on alternatives like InDriver. To avoid unexpected costs, it’s smart to have multiple apps installed (Cabify, DiDi, and some of the local taxis phone services). Also, there are free bikes to use.
3. Bank transfers: if you pay in dollars from abroad, the fees are high, between 5 and 10%. So, my recommendation is to avoid them as much as possible. Popular alternatives among expats/nomads: Wise (TransferWise): low fees, great for sending USD/EUR → COP. Revolut: flexible for multi-currency, works well if you have a Euro or USD account. Remitly: fast transfers for emergency needs, often with better initial rates.
4. Shopping at local markets (plazas de mercado) is much cheaper than at supermarkets. Fresh fruit, vegetables and even flowers cost a fraction of chain store prices. For your first time, you may want to go with a bilingual concierge assistant to learn how to navigate the market, understand local terms, how to get good deals (very specific and cultural), and pick up some survival translations (farmers don’t speak English and often use local slang). After that first guided visit, you’ll be able to handle it on your own.
Conclusion
Although cheap, there are always ways to save even more.
At Settling In, our mission is to ensure we give you transparent information to avoid unwanted costs or unpleasant surprises.
Whether you need a home inspection, a contract review, an orientation tour, or just someone to call when things get weird, we are your guardian angel on the ground.
Ready to move? Already there but experiencing some problems? Or leaving soon and want to ensure a smooth departure? Let’s talk.
