Cost of Living in Medellin

The information about living in another country while receiving US disability is just plain wrong. I receive SSDI with no problem living in Medellin

Now what I WILL bitch about is the beer. Beer in Colombia is consistently low-test: 4 or 5%. Wines tend to run 10.5-12%, even Cabs. Antioquia slaps on a Depto alcohol tax that runs up prices a bit. The cheapest wines seem to run 18550/liter ($5.50 or so). Even the "artisanal" beers tend to be low test and deficient in body, malt character and hopping to US tastes. The best I've found is Tres Cordilleras, which runs about 17000 a 3-pack (~$1.70/bottle. It has a suggestion -- but just a suggestion -- of actual flavor, but little body. The strongest "IPA" is maybe 6.4 abv, deficient in hopping, and would be considered a session beer in the States. There has to be some reason for this, since it is no minor feat to set up a brewery, bottling operation & distribution. Maybe it's just the local tastes. The majority of what's sold in CO, as in most tropical r island locales, is "fizzy yellow beer." And don't get me started on Panamanian artisanals. I swear they add quinine to boost the bitterness. Never has a hops plant been grown with piercing bitterness that lasts 5 minutes.

# Joseph B. After answering your question about living in Colombia for under 183 days I noticed you mentioned you receive U S disability.You cannot live in any country including Colombia and receive disability payments from the U S.The first time you swipe your debit card in any other country it'll red flag your disability payments account and you won't receive them anymore.I believe the U S government calls it fraudulent use,the correct term.

Breast augmentation in Bogota cost $13,700 USD but I got mine done in Medellin for $11,000 USD.

Anyone have an idea about the price of breast augmentation in Medellin or Bogota?

To " GRINGO " The person who posted about income taxes for pensions abroad concerning U S social security retirement pensions is correct.Social security retirement pensions up to $1,090 USD per month or $ 13,080 yearly is nontaxable in Colombia.From $1,090 USD to $1,700 USD taxable at 19%. Incomes from $1,700 USD to $4,100 USD are taxable at 28% and so on. The same tax table applies to U S railroad pensions or any other type of pensions thereof.Tax filing with DIAN runs between August 9th through October 19th of each calendar year to file for the priror tax year.After 183 days living in Colombia you're a tax resident even if you live outside of Colombia you're a tax resident for that calendar year,the full year and you're liabale for taxes owed to Colombia.That's Colombian law not my law.I'm a tax accountant for many clients throughout Colombia and my specialty is doing taxes for expats whether they're retired receiving pensions, running businesses,or purchasing realestate.Yes I'm a U S citizen and I've activity been in business for over 22 years now in Medellin.I also do taxes for people receiving railroad commission pensions as well.The penalty for being delinquent to file taxes is on October 20th of each calendar year.I did 47 railroad pensions last October so I know the average amounts they make per month and annually.Admin (RRB) board members make $3,415 monthly or $40,980 annually.Rail employees make ,$2,730 monthly or $32,760 annually.Colombia would charge 28% + 8% = 36% annually which for a rail employee would be _$11,793.60 USD owed in penalties annually do the math these are current penalty rates.It doesn't matter if anyone is married or not everyone in Colombia files separately not jointly, that's the law too.Foreigners can and do own realestate in Colombia myself included.If anyone has dependants in Colombia a very small deduction is allowed,and rarely given as a rule.When I have clients ie expats such as yourself come into my office and start telling me the tax laws in Colombia I refer them to DIAN.Giving no information is better than giving incorrect information as you've given.I'm not soliciting business for myself
since my roster stays full with clients.FYI the Colombian government gives alot of leeway and will say nothing or send anything regarding taxes owed to anyone.However since you're an expat they only look at the last two numbers on your passport to determine the length of time you've spent in Colombia in It doesn't matter if you spend 183 days in Colombia and the rest elsewhere you're still a tax resident, that's the law.Since you and your wife purchased a condo in Bogota taxes are due on that also but taxes must be paid separately by you and your wife.Many expats make the same mistakes as you do thinking you're exempt.The majority I've encountered at my office in Medellin.You cannot avoid paying taxes in Colombia on your global income remember that.Some of my former clients are doing lengthy time in prison for tax evasion only because they ignored DIAN'S tax laws.One day they'll pick you up without notice.It happens more often than people realise in Colombia.Oh BTW runners interstate flight as it's called is alive and well in Colombia.Its an agreement the U S and Colombia has.Good luck hotshot you're going to need it where DIAN is concerned.

I laughed when reading these posts. I agree with Anonymous of March 03,2019 on most of what he said. I international Lawyer must
Of smoked to much Colombia Gold.
People like him don't belong in Colombia. Married to a Colombia a live with her 6 years without ever leaving the country. We are just getting ready after living in San Antonio TX 3 years. She just got her US Citizenship last week. So will be heading back to live again in one of most beautiful country on this Earth. He is what we call The Ugly American. Lived in Bogota and had a beautiful Condo in the Northside. We Bought there
We live on my Railroad Retirement pension (Not Social Security). My Pension was never taxed as was Exempt. Just paided property tax.
And whatever we bought from the big grocery stores or Malls. Food is cheaper as we bought all our fresh fruit & Veggies from the street vendors or a big open food for fresh fish and a small Butcher shop for meat. Nothing was taxed.
I didn't speak good Spanish. Found the people Very honest and very friendly & helpful,. They love north Americans . Beautiful Woman
All over the country. Now we live in a Small Village as I grow fruit
And coffee now. These people who want to tear down should just get the hell out.

Never got mugged or had any trouble as I dressed most the time
Like a Texas Cowboy and showed respect to everyone. Never flashed money around just be a little humble and let them know that you love there Country and never think your above them. More crime here in the States the in the so called
3rd world.

The prices are all about right except for rent. Rent in neighborhoods expats will want to live is close to double, and will probably be more than double cause it's very tough to rent--you need cosigners and huge deposits. So most expats rent from a subletter, or middle man.

The hate from some ppl below about the city is surprising and unwarrented. One person claimed it's a 3rd world city with 3rd world aditude, but it won "most innovative city in the world" a few yrs ago. It's modern, clean, good infrastructure, good public parks and facilities, beautiful greenery (in the nicer neighborhoods). The climate is also about perfect yr round and water is drinkable. There are vast slums which stretch up the hills, but there's no need to ever go there.

There is crime, but you just take percaussions like any other major city. It's not really a deterent to me living here. The only real problem is the pollution, which is moderate most of the yr, but gets bad for 2-3 months, when the rainy season arrives and cooler air meets hot air, forming a smog trap over the valley. The city is aware of the problem and is active in increasing public transport and limiting days/week ppl can drive.

Ok that's all. I live in Medellin and basically love it. Also someone was saying its a "small city"...it has 3 million ppl.

I have lived in Medellin for the past 10 years and I can tell your from experience that your estimates are off by at least 50%, unless you're planning on renting and living in some shady neighborhoods. If you are an expat planning to move to Medellin, you should look into Laureles, Envigado, El Poblado and Palmas.

Here's some additional factual information.If you own a house in another country or business in another country you'll be taxed accordingly upon the value of your house and also the annual gross procedes of your business abroad.That's in the Colombian government statute as well.FYI Medellin is a vibrant modern city so enjoy your stay there.As I mentioned priorly don't stay past the 183rd day in Colombia unless you want to pay heavy taxes, good luck.

To Esteban R, Cocaine was throughout Colombia before Pablo Escobar was even sperm.Unfortunately Colombians insist on blaming things on everyone else except themselves.Colombia will always be a 3rd world country with a 3rd world mindset minus any progression.

Medellin is over priced and over hyped in general. Heavy polution and violence are the real offerings Medellin has to offer truth be known day or night.I lived in Medellin almost six years.I also lived in Ibague, and Perira for two years at each city as well.Only upside was cheaper to live and no polution to speak of.Although I've never used drugs in my life cocaine is prevelant outwardly never hidden day or night either even in the nicest neighborhoods where I lived.Although I never mentioned Pablo Escobar the locals filled me in on his history in Colombia.Cocaine was throughout Colombia before Pablo Escobar was born.This has nothing to do with prices but yet an honest overview.No matter where anyone is in the world there'll always be problems.Many men go to Colombia for the women, they're over hyped too unless you're into plastic butts etc.I retired in Eastern Europe instead not saying it doesn't have it's problems but at least it's not cocaine alley like the majority of Colombia is.

I'm currently going thru due diligence stage prior to locating in Medellin in 1 year. I would appreciate any current feedback on lifestyle, cost of living and healthcare as I am diabetic. Medicare and healthcare with meds in the U.S. has gotten ridiculous!

I am presently in Medellin and have been here 6 times. The items you choose to make comparisons are a bit crazy. Why would you for example be concerned about the price of Levis in Medellin when they manufacture their own blue jeans and are available for as low as $5? It is invalid to compare the price of a dozen eggs when they cost half as much per dozen when you buy a tray of 30 eggs. Rents vary tremendously. I am renting short term rental a furnished 2 bedroom apartment for $750 a month in Laureles. That includes electricity, internet, etc. Of course if you are staying for a long time you can save money by renting an unfinished apartment. About half I would imagine but you would have to buy furniture. The place I am renting even has a small automatic washing machine with a clothes rack above it to dry your clothes. Very handy. The supermarkets have specials. I bought a 6 pk of Tecate beer imported from Mexico for $2.50 in Exito for example. I have been living in Panama for the past 17 years and I can say for certain that Colombia is cheaper than Panama on most but not all items. Taxis, groceries and restaurants are definitely cheaper. The culture is better in Colombia. People are more educated. Being fluent in Spanish really helps a lot in Colombia.

The rent is way off. If you want to live like a low middle class colombian in a so so part of town then 300 dollars per month but i am sure you dont want that. For a westerner a two bedroom apartment in a middle class hood for 600 - 800 dollars but if you want the nice part of town in Poblado it will be at least 1000 dollars. And is AIRBNB then 1300 dollars and up. Been going there for 12 years so i know a little bit about Medellin. 600 - 1200 dollars per month should work.

Christopher and Raymond are both right. Raymond's comment was made in 2013, when the exchange rate was much less favorable. Since then, it has gone from about 1800 to 3200. Christopher's assessment of Poblado prices are correct in 2016. One bedroom furnished in Poblado for less than $600 US is very doable.

i'm gonna go ahead and disagree with Raymond. you can live in a high end neighbor hood for a very low price i paid 550USD a month to rent a one bedroom 1 bath that was furnished in El Poblado.it included wifi and cable and a land line. my building did not have a pool. and was a 10 min walk to parque llears with is the happening area with bars restaurants and clubs. i was only about 4 min walk to el carulla las palmas which has a ton of great restaurants in the plaza and it was where i ate most every day. really the best area of the city. there are however much nicer modern buildings with much higher price tags. in general the prices to own or rent are much lesser then anywhere in the USA and western Europe. and adminastartion fees are very inexpensive in comparison to the USA. also you don't really need air conditioning in Medellin because of the year round sping like weather so you dont incur large electricity bills. also on dining out for a steak dinner better then say the outback in the USA that would cost 30 dollars you will probably pay 12-18 dollars. they have a chain called pizza double that makes a higher quality pizza then say a papa johns or dominos more like pizza express in the UK and the deliver if you order off their cell phone app 2 medium pizzas with 1 topping for like 6 dollars 19900 cop. this is quality too not compareable to like crap little ceasers or something and delivery included although i usually tip the delivery man 2000 pesos like 60 cents. the only things that are not cheaper then the USA are name brand clothing and electronics. taxis to the airport in rionegro which is like a 35-40 min drinve are about 20$ usd. and short trips in a cab are like 4 dollars

if you want to live the high life best part of town and dinning out regularly i would say you need free and clear 1500 usd to 2000usd a month. if you don't mind not living in an exclusive area you can do it for much less. i have seen nice 2 and 3 bedroom places available for 200-300 usd a month but in areas i personally wouldn't enjoy living. however if the very simple things in life make you happy and you don't mid really noisy neighbors you can live well on like 600- 1000 usd in medellin but keep in mind its difficult to get a rental contract in medellin without having a cedula or nacional id of medellin also next to impossible to turn on utilities with out that. so with out a local friend or connection getting into a really low rent situation will be difficult but not impossible. the average colombian makes like 350 -450$usd working full time. so most are forced to live with family some of my friends live in small 3 bedroom apartments with 4 adults and 3 or 4 children.
i have been to many places in europe and all over north america also spent time in japan. there is no place that can match the quality of city living for the cost as medellin. most people are extremely polite and friendly. if ou like sports there is like 4 top league pro football/soccer teams in the area. they have many casinos if thats your thing endless amounts of restaurants , museums tons of events shows and concerts. plus year round perfect weather there is a huge park called parque arvi that you take the metro cable too and you are in wilderness heaven cost like 5 bucks to get there and in the park on the metro and includes an amazing ride up the mountain in the metro cable. there is not much golf most of the clubs are private you you have to pay annual fees to enjoy the greens. but it is available a few touristy places not from from the city. the main thing i would recommend if your planing on staying there more then just a sightseeing trip is that you know how to communicate in Spanish.