Many expats in Medellín work remotely for a company or clients in another country. This is known as being a digital nomad with a location-independent job that allows you to live anywhere. A growing number of digital nomads are choosing Medellín as their place to live, and it’s reportedly the largest digital nomad hub in all of Latin America.
There’s no doubt Medellín is a growing, thriving city. It reportedly grew by 35,420 people in the last year, representing a 0.86% change and pushing the total Medellín metro population to approximately 4,172,810 people as of 2025.
There are numerous other reasons people are flocking to Medellín. Jeff, the founder and chief editor of this site, even wrote about his reasons here. However, one of the most talked-about groups of people flocking to Medellín is digital nomad.
A digital nomad is defined as a person who is location-independent and uses technology to perform their job. Some typical digital nomad jobs include, but are not limited to, writers, programmers, marketing/sales professionals, online teachers, and virtual assistants.
I myself gave up a traditional corporate sales role in the States and traded it for a more flexible and admittedly happier, digital nomad lifestyle in Medellín.
Remote Work is Rising in Popularity
Remote work continues to increase in popularity year over year. As of 2025, 22.8% of U.S. employees work remotely at least part of the time, accounting for over 36 million people. Recent studies show that remote workers benefit from focused work time, averaging 4.5 hours of deep focus daily, resulting in a 22% boost in productivity compared to in-office employees. Across various sectors, 73% of remote employees in IT roles reported higher productivity at home than in the office, with many reallocating saved commuting hours to additional work tasks.
Large companies like Amazon, IBM, Xerox, and Allergan are fully embracing the remote work trend. Amazon, in particular, has expanded its remote workforce in 2025, now offering a wide variety of work-from-home roles including customer service, software development, marketing, human resources, and technical support, all available with flexible options such as part-time, full-time, and seasonal employment.
Location independence is one of the key benefits of being a digital nomad. Digital nomads can live anywhere in the world, as long as there is a reliable internet connection. The world is their oyster! And certain cities lend themselves to being more conducive to the digital nomad lifestyle. You guessed it: Medellín is one of them!
You may ask, “Why Medellín?” Today, we’ll look at eight reasons digital nomads are choosing to stay and live in Medellín. Many digital nomads have spent several months living in this city and frequently share why they consider Medellín such an amazing place.
1. The Weather in Medellín
This may be an obvious one if you’ve done any research about Medellín. If you’re in the beginning stages of your Medellín research, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
As a digital nomad, packing light is easy. The year-round average temperature of 72°F (22°C) in Medellín allows people to leave jackets, boots, and scarves at home. Nothing heavier than a light rain jacket is needed here.
This weather also allows for outdoor workspaces, and it is common to work on the patio of cafés. The mild climate—often described as “eternal spring”—remains consistent throughout the year, with average daily highs around 28°C (82°F) and lows near 17°C (63°F). Rain is frequent, with short, passing storms rather than lingering downpours, so it’s wise to have a light waterproof layer handy when venturing out.
These pleasant and predictable conditions explain why Medellín’s weather continues to attract digital nomads and remote workers from all over the world.
2. The Digital Nomad Community in Medellín
The digital nomad community in Medellín is widely recognized as one of the most vibrant and welcoming in Latin America. Digital nomads in the city benefit from a strong sense of connection and support, with newcomers quickly finding themselves part of a network eager to share opportunities, resources, and local knowledge.
Medellín’s digital nomads are known for organizing some of the most creative and inspiring events in the region:
Frequent Events and Meetups:
Almost every evening, it is possible to find an event, workshop, or networking session designed for remote professionals. Events like “Pitch Night,” where 4–5 entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a supportive audience that votes on the winner, have become highlights for many in the community. This initiative fosters entrepreneurship and provides a practical springboard for new ventures. Juan Felipe attributes Pitch Night's success to the passionate group of people in the community.
Community-Led Learning:
Presenters routinely field audience questions and receive constructive feedback, contributing to a culture of collaborative learning and continuous improvement.
Niche Groups and Specialized Meetups:
Groups such as “Digital Nomads Medellín,” “Medellín Expats,” and “Women Entrepreneurs of Medellín” offer platforms for focused interests, support, and friendship. Monthly and weekly events cater to specific professional and creative groups, making it easy for individuals to connect with like-minded peers..
3. Internet Reliability
Reliable internet speed remains one of the most important necessities for performing remote work or sustaining a digital nomad lifestyle. Fortunately, Medellín boasts strong digital infrastructure by Latin American standards, with both fixed and mobile high-speed internet widely available across the city.
As of 2025, the typical apartment rental in Medellín often includes a broadband internet connection of at least 10Mbps, and it is increasingly common to find rentals offering 20Mbps or more. For those who require greater bandwidth, many buildings serviced by providers such as Claro can offer plans featuring speeds of 100Mbps and even higher, with city averages for fixed broadband now around 130.53Mbps download and 33.06Mbps upload. Claro has even launched 5G home internet, providing wireless speeds and connectivity for up to 10 devices at roughly 79,900 COP (about $19 USD) per month, including equipment.
On the mobile side, Medellín leads Colombia’s major cities in 2025 with the fastest median mobile download speeds, averaging 32.17Mbps. Major network operators offer competitive prepaid data plans, making it easy to stay online via smartphone, tablet, or mobile router
Major Telephone Operators in Medellín
| Operator | Example Prepaid Data Plan | COP Price | USD Price | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Claro |
9 GB + unlimited calls (30 days) |
31,000 |
$7.00 |
Largest national coverage |
Movistar |
12 GB + free social apps (15 days) |
16,000 |
$4.00 |
Popular among business users |
Tigo |
10 GB + unlimited calls (15 days) |
20,000 |
$4.60 |
Simple tourist plans |
WOM |
12 GB + unlimited calls (30 days) |
30,000 |
$6.90 |
Fastest mobile speeds in some areas |
4. The Colombian People
The Colombian people, often referred to as Paisas in Medellín, are widely recognized as some of the kindest and most welcoming individuals in Latin America. There is a deeply rooted culture of hospitality and inclusiveness throughout the region, making newcomers feel genuinely at home, an atmosphere that many visitors and expats remark upon after arriving in the city.
It is commonplace for locals to assist strangers without hesitation. For example, if someone finds themselves lost or unable to locate a destination, it is typical to stop and ask a Paisa for directions. Even if the directions are not always entirely accurate, the willingness to help remains consistent and heartfelt. Examples of such friendliness can be seen daily, from shopkeepers going out of their way to assist, to residents offering guidance to new arrivals and tourists on Medellín’s bustling streets.
This generosity and warmth contribute significantly to the positive experience many digital nomads and remote workers report during their time in Medellín. Should further assistance be needed, there is almost always another Paisa close by, ready to lend a hand.
5. Cost of Living
Although prices in Medellín have been gradually increasing, the city still offers a relatively low cost of living for the quality of life provided. This is particularly beneficial for digital nomads and startup entrepreneurs, as saving money on essentials allows for greater investment in personal projects or business growth.
Rental costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, neighborhood, and housing preferences (shared vs. private units). In 2025, individual furnished rooms are typically available from around 800,000 pesos ($184 USD), while one-bedroom furnished apartments can cost approximately 2,500,000 pesos ($575 USD) or considerably higher in upscale neighborhoods like El Poblado.
Buying fresh produce from local fruit stands or farmer’s markets is an effective way to minimize grocery expenses. For dining out, the traditional “menú del día” remains a budget-friendly standby: a full lunch (including rice, beans, vegetables, and a protein) usually costs about 12,000 to 30,000 pesos ($2.75–$7 USD) depending on the location.
Cost of Living in Medellín
| Expense Category | Monthly Price (USD) | Table Header |
|---|---|---|
Single Person |
5,464,541 |
$1,250 |
Individual Furnished Room |
800,000 |
$184 |
1-Bedroom Apartment |
2,100,000 |
$483 |
2-Bedroom Apartment |
2,500,000–4,000,000 |
$575–$920 |
3-Bedroom Apt |
3,439,000 |
$793 |
Utilities |
329,000 |
$76 |
Mobile Plan |
41,000 |
$10 |
Public Transport |
170,000 |
$39 |
“Menú del Día” Lunch |
12,000–30,000 (per meal) |
$2.75–$7 |
Gym Membership |
103,000 |
$24 |
6. Time Zone
Many expats who visit or move to Medellín are from a variety of countries, but this aspect is especially relevant for those working with U.S.-based companies. Medellín operates on Colombia Standard Time, staying at GMT-5 year-round without daylight saving adjustments. This consistency is a significant benefit for remote workers who need to coordinate with North American clients or employers.
For much of the year, Medellín’s time zone matches the U.S. Central Time Zone (CDT), which is advantageous for those with business or personal ties in that region. When the United States switches off daylight saving time in the fall, Medellín then aligns with U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST). This reliable time difference is one of the reasons many digital nomads choose Medellín over other international hubs in Asia, such as Thailand or Vietnam, where coordinating meetings often means working at inconvenient hours.
7. Generous Visitors Visas
Medellín continues to attract digital nomads from around the world, and Colombia now offers clear and updated visa pathways for both short- and long-term remote workers.
Tourist Stamp and Extension
Most digital nomads visiting Medellín for short stays (up to 180 days per calendar year) use the standard Tourist Stamp, which is an entry permit printed by Migración Colombia at the time the foreigner arrives in the national territory. This stamp is not a formal visa but serves as official permission to stay in the country. The duration granted is typically 90 days and can be extended once for another 90 days through an online tourist stamp extension process involving a small processing fee. This extension brings the total possible legal stay for tourists to 180 days annually.
Requirements to Apply for a Tourism Extension in Colombia
To apply for a Colombian tourist stamp extension (Permiso Temporal de Permanencia para Prorrogar Permanencia) online in 2025, the following requirements must be met:
Digital Nomad Visa
Colombia launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (Type V) in 2022, making long-term stays legal for remote workers. Applicants must:
- Prove income of at least $900/month (COL$3,724,200) (or 3 times the Colombian minimum monthly wage 3 x COL$1,423,500 = COL$4,270,500/month).
- Work for a company outside Colombia or provide freelance services for international clients.
- Submit a valid passport, letter from employer or proof of freelancing, bank statements for the last 3 months, and international health insurance covering the length of stay.
- The visa can be granted for up to 2 years and allows the main applicant to bring beneficiaries, such as spouses or children.
Medellin Guru Digital nomad Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.893 Medellin Guru reader
8. Access to Cafés & Coworking Spaces
When working outside the home, digital nomads in Medellín frequently seek out one of the city’s many vibrant cafés or well-equipped coworking spaces.
Cafés: A Favorite Choice
Many remote workers prefer the atmosphere of local cafés, where a small purchase of coffee or a pastry grants access to Wi-Fi and an inspiring setting. Medellín’s café culture has flourished in 2025, especially in neighborhoods such as El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado. Specialty coffee shops and independent roasters are popular spots for work, community, and sampling Colombia’s renowned coffee
Coworking Spaces in Medellín
For those who prefer a more structured work environment, Medellín offers a wide selection of coworking spaces. The majority of these spaces are concentrated in El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, both of which are favored by expats and digital professionals for their central locations, safety, and variety of amenities.
Noi coworking
9. Amazing Food Scene
Medellín offers a vibrant culinary landscape that is praised for its incredible variety and affordability. The city’s food scene extends far beyond traditional Colombian dishes such as bandeja paisa or arepas—though these are must-try local staples. Visitors and residents alike can experience international cuisine ranging from Peruvian ceviche and Italian pizza to Japanese ramen and Middle Eastern falafel, thanks to a wave of global restaurants and bistros opening throughout popular districts such as El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado.
For those embracing a health-conscious or plant-based lifestyle, vegan and vegetarian cafés are abundant, with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic meals. Street food culture is thriving as well, with local favorites like empanadas, arepas de choclo, and fresh juices from market stands found on corners of nearly every neighborhood.
Eating out in Medellín is accessible for all budgets: from casual lunchtime “menú del día” meals (around $3–$5 USD) at family-run eateries to upscale dining at some of Latin America’s top-ranked restaurants. Weekly organic farmer’s markets and public markets such as Plaza Minorista and Mercado del Río provide diverse ingredients for home cooks and food lovers to explore as well.
Foodies, in particular, will find Medellín an endless adventure, with food festivals, coffee-tasting events, and chef pop-ups offering countless ways to connect with the city’s culinary heartbeat.
10. Efficient Public Transportation
Getting around Medellín is both simple and cost-effective, making the city especially attractive for digital nomads on the move. The Medellín Metro, Colombia’s only metro system, is clean, reliable, and connects major neighborhoods across the valley, including El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado, and beyond. Commuters benefit from integrated cable cars (Metrocable), which climb to hillside communities and connect seamlessly to metro lines, as well as a modern tram (Tranvía) and efficient bus rapid transit (Metroplús).
A standard metro fare is around 3,355 pesos (under $1 USD), and monthly public transport cards are available for those who commute daily. Many digital nomads and expats cite the convenience, safety, and punctuality of Medellín’s public transportation as a huge advantage over other Latin American cities.
For those who prefer cycling, Medellín boasts an expanding network of bike lanes and public bicycles thanks to its “EnCicla” program. Regular buses, electric scooters, and affordable taxis and rideshares give even more flexibility for moving around, exploring coworking spaces, meeting friends, or enjoying the nightlife.
11. Growing Health and Wellness Scene
Medellín is gaining recognition as a health and wellness hub, catering to locals and expats seeking an active, balanced lifestyle. The city features a large and ever-increasing selection of gyms, yoga and Pilates studios, CrossFit boxes, and boutique fitness centers. Many neighborhoods also offer open-air exercise equipment in parks and along walking trails, taking advantage of Medellín’s famous spring-like climate.
Wellness is not just about fitness, numerous spas, wellness clinics, and massage parlors provide services for physical and mental well-being. Nutritionists, holistic health coaches, and personal trainers work alongside practitioners offering therapies like acupuncture, reiki, and alternative medicine.
Many wellness venues are bilingual and accustomed to serving an international community, ensuring accessibility for all. Regular community events, mindful workshops, and group exercise classes allow newcomers to easily join Medellín’s health-conscious movement, balancing work productivity with self-care and social connection.
12. Vibrant Arts and Culture
Medellín stands out as one of Colombia’s most creative cities, making it ideal for digital nomads who seek inspiration, artistic outlets, or cultural enrichment during their stay. The city’s art scene is flourishing, anchored by world-class museums such as the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM) and Museo de Antioquia, the latter of which features much of Fernando Botero’s renowned work.
Street art is a prominent feature of Medellín’s urban landscape, especially in neighborhoods like Comuna 13, known for colorful murals and expressive graffiti tours. The city’s calendar is packed with cultural events throughout the year—film and music festivals, theater productions, poetry slams, and live concerts in a range of styles from salsa and reggaeton to jazz and rock.
Numerous galleries, artisan markets, and creative coworking spaces offer regular workshops and exhibitions. For those interested in local culture, Medellín hosts events such as the world-famous Feria de las Flores and the Festival Internacional de Tango, both celebrations of heritage and modern flair.
Take Your Digital Nomad Experience Further with Expert Services
Colombia, especially Medellín, has emerged as one of Latin America’s top destinations for digital nomads, offering vibrant communities, reliable infrastructure, and an easygoing lifestyle. For those seeking a seamless transition to life as a digital nomad in Colombia, specialized services are available to guide every step.
expatgroup, one of Colombia’s leading relocation consultancies, provides tailored support for digital nomads, whether you’re moving for a short stay or planning a longer adventure. Their experts can assist with:
Digital nomads consistently praise expatgroup for their professionalism, responsiveness, and deep understanding of remote work needs in Colombia. Many clients report successful visa renewals and efficient problem resolution with their help.
Become a Digital Nomad in Colombia
Our reliable partner expatgroup.co offers a wide range of services for Digital Nomads:
Medellin Guru's comprehensive Colombian culture series
In Medellin Guru, we love Colombia, and we usually write many blogs about Colombian culture, places to visit, and other tips for all expats to have a reliable guide and valuable and relevant information about Colombia. Read our blogs about Colombian Culture here:
- Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia: Top Things to Do
- Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- How to be an Expat in Colombia: 12 Tips to be a Successful Expat
- Top Things to Do in Cali and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- Celebrating July 20th: Colombia Independence Day
- Norte de Santander: 5 Escapes for a Weekend Adventure
- Unlock Ipiales in 24 Hours: Your Essential Adventure Blueprint!
- Pasto: Discover the wonders of the Surprise City
- Top Popular Colombian Drinks to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Villa de Leyva: A Colonial Gem in the Colombian Andes
- Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
- Medellin Guru Launch 2023: Gentrification, Tourism and Investment
- Popular Colombian Desserts You Must Try While in Colombia
- Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia a Fruit Lovers Paradise
- Popular Colombian Soups to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Día de las Velitas: Day of Candles Tradition in Colombia on December 7
- Things in Colombia That May Be Strange for Foreigners
- Things Colombians Do That Foreigners May Find Weird
- Popayán: A Well-Preserved Colonial Gem in Colombia Worth Visiting
- Tejo: A Colombian Game That Rewards You for Explosions
Other things to see and do in Colombia
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
The Bottom Line: Digital Nomads in Medellín
If you’re a digital nomad looking for a home for the next few months, Medellín may just be the spot. While no city is perfect and Medellín has its downsides, it is still a solid choice for digital nomads and has plenty to offer the remote worker.
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10 thoughts on “Why Medellin is a Perfect Place for Many Digital Nomads”
This is a great website with tons of helpful information, thank you! I find myself, however, in an in-between space. I am a digital relocator. What’s that? I own a consulting firm in the US and want to live full time in Medellin.
I don’t want to leave after 180 days.
I don’t work for a Colombian company so can’t get a work visa.
I can show income and stability.
It would be awesome to hire locally and provide jobs (why would the government not want that?) But I’m not an investor.
So, what type of visa should I apply for after my “tourist visa?”
Hi Tony, you can see all the visa options in our detailed visa article: https://medellinguru.com/colombian-visa/. If you have more questions or need advice, I recommend talking with a visa agency like InterCol to explore your options: http://inter-col.com/en/
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s always great to hear form a personal perspective!
Great article and very informative.
thank you for the information. I am interested to know more about the logistics of finding living arrangements and deciding which part of the city to call home. May I assume you start in a hostel or AirBNB and look for an apartment or a sharing situation? What resources are available to help you find a place. Poblado seems to be the most desirable area to be, is living outside of Poblado mostly based on budget?
Hi Raymond, some expats start in a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb apartment for a short-term and then find a longer term residence once they are here. El Poblado is the most popular neighborhood for expats but reportedly 74% of expats living in Medellín live somewhere other than El Poblado. Other neighborhoods most popular with expats include Envigado, Laureles-Estadio, Sabaneta and Belén.
Reasons I have heard from expats for living outside of El Poblado include a number of things like lower cost of living, fewer expats, desire to experience more of the local lifestyle, El Poblado is too hilly, too much traffic in El Poblado, El Poblado is too Westernized… Resources for finding a place include this site (already have an unfurnished apartment article and will have a furnished apartment article and a best hostels article soon), Airbnb and also https://www.compartoapto.com/ for finding a room in a shared apartment.
Thanks So much Stephanie, Great post, also very informative! Hope to see you in January.
Cheers, Brock
Awesome article! Super informative and interesting as always from Stephanie and Medellin Guru!
Nice article. When entering a country as a digital nomad when asked by immigration what your purpose of your trip is it is important to say ¨tourist¨and don´t say that you are working online. This way you don´t run into problems and will stay off the radar.
Immigration around the world clearly has not yet worked out how to handle digital nomads who make their living online.
Yes Dan, that’s good advice about ‘staying off the radar’, not just to avoid questions about whether you are working but also to avoid any Colombian tax liability!