Medellín vs Bogotá, which of these two cities in Colombia is the better city to live in for expats? In our Medellín vs Bogotá comparison, we comprehensively compare the two largest cities in Colombia in 19 categories to see which is the better city to live in for expats.
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In our Medellín vs Bogotá comparison, we comprehensively compare these two cities in Colombia in 19 categories to see which is the better city to live in for expats.
I have seen several comparisons of Medellín vs Bogotá. But these Medellín vs Bogotá comparisons I have seen elsewhere are typically missing several important categories or have a clear bias. I have met several expats living in Bogotá who prefer Bogotá over Medellín. But I have also met many expats living in Medellín that prefer it. I have lived in Medellín for over eight years. But I have traveled to Bogotá over 20 times for business and pleasure and have spent about five months in the city. In my opinion, both cities have pluses and minuses. No city is perfect.
Note, in the following Medellín vs Bogotá comparison, the categories are in no particular order. And where possible, we provide some statistics to back up how we chose the winner of each category in our Medellín vs Bogotá comparison.
1. Climate – Medellín vs Bogotá
Both Bogotá and Medellín showcase distinct climates that reflect their unique identities. Bogotá, perched at an elevation of 2,600 meters in the Eastern Andes of Colombia, boasts a cold and dry climate. This expansive savanna can experience strong winds and occasional rain, accompanied by cooler nighttime temperatures. Nevertheless, these geographical features enhance the city’s appeal, making it an ideal setting for leisure activities, tourist attractions, and sports.
In contrast, Medellín enjoys an inviting climate that caters to outdoor pursuits year-round. Nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains, the city offers breathtaking landscapes and a warmer, spring-like atmosphere. Ultimately, both cities possess their own allure, and their climates significantly contribute to the unique charm each one offers, catering to various personal preferences.
In my opinion, Medellín wins here. The temperature during the year in Medellín averages 72.5 °F (22.5 °C). The Medellín weather and climate is a benefit of living in the city. Medellín is also known as “La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera”, or the city of eternal spring. The average temperature in Medellín typically only varies by about 1 °F during the year.
In Medellín, the high daily average temperature ranges from 81.0 to 89 ° F (27.0 to 32 °C). And the low daily average ranges from 61.7 to 63.3 ° F (16.5 to 17.4 °C).
In Bogotá, the temperature during the year averages a much chillier 58 °F (14.5 °C). The daily average high temperature in Bogotá ranges from 65.5 to 68.4 °F (18.6 to 20.2 °C). And the daily average low temperature ranges from 45.7 to 49.5 °F (7.6 to 9.7 °C).
The all-time record low temperature in Bogotá is 19°F (-7.1°C), and it snows on rare occasions. Bogotá has also experienced some hailstorms. From my experience, most apartments and houses in Bogotá do not have heaters, so it can get quite cold at night.
In Medellín, the average annual humidity is 68%, while in Bogotá, it is 76%. This means that Bogotá typically has somewhat higher humidity than Medellín. However, Medellín receives more rainfall overall. In Medellín, ten months of the year experience over 100 mm of rain on average, whereas in Bogotá, only four months (April, May, October, and November) typically see over 100 mm of rain. Annually, Medellín averages 69 inches of rainfall, while Bogotá averages 39.8 inches.
In Medellín, it is quite possible to live without air conditioning or heating. In contrast, Bogotá can get chilly enough that some people may prefer to use heaters. Some expats I have talked to enjoy the cooler climate in Bogotá.
Climate Winner: Medellín
2. Cost of Living – Medellín vs Bogotá
Expatistan‘s latest report on global living costs highlights Colombia’s diverse expenses, influenced by regional differences among its 50 million residents. Bogotá ranks 171st, followed by Medellín at 173 and Cali at 181, making them the three most expensive cities in the country.
Bogotá, the Colombian capital, tops the list as the most expensive city in the country, according to the report. With a ranking of 171 out of 193 countries on Expatistan, Bogotá records a monthly cost of living of approximately $9,704,515 (2.334$ USD) for a family of four and $4,775,843 (1.149$ USD) for a single person. This finding reflects a trend of increasing basic expenses in the city. On the other hand, Medellín is the second-most expensive city in Colombia, with an index similar to Bogotá’s. Although this city is known for its tourist appeal and urban development, housing and service costs are also on the rise.
In my experience, Medellín wins here. Similar apartment properties I have seen in Bogotá’s estrato 5 or 6 neighborhoods tend to rent for or sell for at least 15-25 percent higher prices than in Medellín —or even much higher.
I have seen a few expensive new properties in Bogotá’s estrato 6 selling for about 12 million pesos per square meter, which is much more expensive than the most expensive properties being sold in Medellín. Other costs, such as groceries, restaurants, and other things, tend to be at least 4-10 percent cheaper in Medellín than in Bogotá.
While this report provides useful insights, including my own, it’s not the only reliable source for understanding the cost of living. For the most accurate information, connect with expats living in those cities through our Facebook group. Their firsthand experiences offer invaluable perspectives.
Cost of Living Winner: Medellín
Real Estate by expatgroup.co
3. Healthcare – Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá wins here. Good healthcare is a very important category for retirees. Medellín has nine of the top 5 ranked hospitals in Latin America, and Bogotá also has nine. In addition, Colombia has 18 of the best hospitals in Latin America.
Here is a list of the top-ranked hospitals in Colombia, along with their 2024 ranking done by Newsweek which has collaborated with Statista for its annual ranking of the world’s best hospitals. This series started in March 2019:
- 1. Fundación Santa Fe De Bogotá (#2)
- 2. Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe (#3 - Bogotá)
- 3. Fundación Cardio Infantil La Cardio (#4 - Bogotá)
- 4. Fundación Clínica Shaio (#5 - Bogotá)
- 5. Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación (#6 - Medellín)
- 6. Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (#8 - Bogotá)
- 7. Clínica Del Country (#9 - Bogotá)
- 8. Clínica De Marly (#10 - Bogotá)
- 9. Hospital Universitario De La Samaritana (#13 - Bogotá)
- 10. Clínica Reina Sofía (#14 - Bogotá)
- 11. Clínica La Colina (#15 - Bogotá)
- 12. Clínica Las Americas (#16 - Medellín)
- 13. Clínica Medellín (#18 - Medellín)
- 14. Clínica Universitaria Colombia (#20 - Bogotá)
- 15. Hospital General De Medellin Luz Castro De Gutierrez E.S.E (#21 - Medellín)
- 16. Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi (#23 - Bogotá)
- 16. Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi (#23 - Bogotá)
- 17. Los Cobos Medical Center (#28 - Bogotá)
- 18. Clínica Los Nogales (#30 - Bogotá)
- 19. Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael (#32 - Bogotá)
- 20. Clínica Del Prado (#34 - Medellín)
- 21. Hospital Alma Máter de Antioquia (#35 - Medellín)
- 22. Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana (#40 - Medellín)
- 23. Clínica CES (#42 - Medellín)
- 24. Clinica Nueva El Lago (#44 - Bogotá)
- 25. Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia (#51 - Bogotá)
Both cities have several highly ranked hospitals that offer high-quality healthcare, resulting in a tie in the healthcare category. Bogotá, being a much larger city, has many more medical and dental providers compared to Medellín. However, due to its larger population, there is a greater demand for healthcare services in Bogotá.
Personally, I suggest that in order to ensure you have access to the best medical support while living in Colombia, consider acquiring Assist Card, the top health insurance for expats. With Assist Card, you can navigate the healthcare landscape with confidence and peace of mind, whether you’re in Bogotá or Medellín. Don’t leave your health to chance!
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Healthcare Winner: Bogotá
4. Restaurants and Nightlife – Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá wins here. Bogotá is a much bigger city. Bogotá has a metro population of about 10.7 million. While Medellín’s metro population is about 4 million. So, Bogotá has many more restaurant and nightlife options than are found in Medellín.
If you look on TripAdvisor, it lists over 4,400 restaurants in Bogotá but less than 2,400 restaurants are listed in Medellín. This makes sense as Bogotá has almost three times the metro population.
Bogotá also has many more nightlife options than are found in Medellín, since it’s a much bigger city. The nightlife in Bogotá is very diverse and unrivaled in Colombia. You can find bars, nightclubs, music and pubs of almost all possible styles in Bogotá.
Restaurants and Nightlife Winner: Bogotá
5. Travel Access to North America, Europe, and Latin America - Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá excels with its El Dorado International Airport, the largest airport in Colombia, offering non-stop flights to over 50 international destinations across North America, Europe, and Latin America..
From Bogotá, you can fly non-stop to major North American destinations such as Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), Orlando, Toronto, and Washington-Dulles. In Europe, you have direct flights to Barcelona, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, and Paris. Additionally, Bogotá offers non-stop connections to over 20 cities across Latin America.
Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is the second largest airport in Colombia, offering a range of non-stop flights to 10 key international destinations across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.
From Medellín, travelers can easily access non-stop flights to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and New York (JFK) in the United States. In Europe, Madrid is just a direct flight away. Additionally, non-stop options are available to popular destinations such as Aruba, Curaçao, Lima, Maracaibo, Mexico City, Panama City, San Salvador, and Valencia.
While Medellín provides excellent connectivity, it's important to note that Bogotá boasts a wider array of daily non-stop flights to international locations, giving it a clear advantage in this category.
Travel Access Winner: Bogotá
6. Public Transportation – Medellín vs Bogotá
Medellín wins here. Medellín has a modern metro system, which is the only rail-based metro system in Colombia.
The Medellín Metro is a comprehensive and inexpensive system that integrates two rail lines, four Metrocable cable-car lines, two Metroplús elongated bus lines, a Tranvía tramcar line, and feeder Metro buses.
In comparison, Bogotá has its elongated Transmilenio bus system. Transmilenio is inferior to Medellín’s metro. However, due to the popularity of Transmilenio, it is often overcapacity, and people are packed like sardines during rush hours. It is so crowded that I don’t even bother trying to use it while I am in Bogotá. Also, Medellín has had its metro system in place for over 20 years, while Bogotá is just starting a project for its metro system that is scheduled to open in 2028.
Both cities have extensive bus routes and inexpensive taxis with meters. But due to Medellín’s world-class metro system, Medellín wins this category.
Transportation Winner: Medellín
7. Traffic – Medellín vs Bogotá
Medellín arguably wins here. In my experience, the traffic in Bogotá is worse than in Medellín due to being a bigger city with more cars on the roads. Based on my experience, it can easily take at least a couple of hours each day to go across town in Bogotá.
In addition, I have experienced problems getting between business meetings in Bogotá due to the traffic. For example, during a business trip to Bogotá two years ago, I had three meetings in three different areas of Bogotá. To get between these meetings and my trips to and from the apartment I was renting, I spent well over six hours in taxis due to the bad traffic.
Traffic can get bad in Medellín during rush hours. But this is not as bad as the traffic I have experienced in Bogotá. The worst traffic in Medellín tends to be in El Poblado, El Centro, and Envigado. However, Bogotá doesn’t have the worst traffic in Latin America. In my experience, the traffic is much worse in the bigger cities of São Paulo and Mexico City.
Traffic Winner: Medellín
8. Job Opportunities – Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá wins here. Bogotá is the business and political capital of Colombia, and it has a much larger population—nearly three times that of Medellín. As a result, there are more job opportunities in Bogotá compared to Medellín.
Bogotá is also home to the local headquarters of many multinational companies operating in Colombia. Additionally, it generally experiences lower unemployment levels than Medellín.
However, there are still limited work opportunities for foreigners in Bogotá, especially for those who do not speak Spanish fluently. Fluency in Spanish is often required for the best job prospects in Colombia.
In both cities, native English speakers can find opportunities to teach English, although the pay is typically low and competition for these positions is intense. Bogotá, being the larger city, usually offers many more English teaching jobs than Medellín. However, it’s worth noting that both cities have seen an influx of digital nomads working remotely, which adds another layer of job opportunities for those seeking work in these locations. These remote work possibilities make both Bogotá and Medellín appealing options for individuals looking to explore new opportunities, which you can consider as well with our expert partner advice, expatgroup.co, who can help you navigate the digital nomad visa application process.
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Job Opportunity Winner: Bogotá
9. Altitude – Medellín vs Bogotá
Medellín wins here. Medellín is located at an elevation of about 4,905 feet (1,495 meters). Bogotá is at a much higher elevation of about 8,660 feet (2,640 meters).
Bogotá’s higher altitude means that it is possible to experience physiological effects. Bogotá is at the low end of the altitude scale for possible physiological effects. The air is thinner at the higher altitude of Bogotá.
The low oxygen levels found at high altitudes can cause problems for visitors going to destinations higher than 8,000 feet above sea level, like Bogotá. However, it is possible that some visitors may not notice this.
When visiting Bogotá, you may experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and faster heart rates due to the high altitude. It typically takes a few days for your body to adjust to the thinner air. I notice these effects, such as tiredness and headaches, especially during my first days there. Staying well-hydrated can help mitigate these symptoms, which usually resolve within a few days.
It’s advised to avoid alcohol and heavy exercise for the first 48 hours after arriving at altitudes above 8,000 feet. While many adapt well to high altitudes, be mindful of preexisting medical conditions that could pose risks.
Altitude: Medellín
10. Expat Community – Medellín vs Bogotá
Medellín arguably wins here. Bogotá is Colombia’s capital and business center and likely has a bigger expat population than Medellín, with all the multinationals located there. But Medellín also has a sizable expat population that seems much better organized.
Medellín has several large expat groups on Facebook that are very active including:
- Medellin Guru Events & Discussion with 7.600 members.
- Medellin Expat and tourist info with over 35.000 members.
- Digital Nomads Medellin with over 16.,000 members.
- Doing Business And Living in Medellin with over 7.000 members.
- Expat Women in Medellin with over 9.000 members.
In comparison, Bogotá has fewer expat groups such as GringoRolo (Americans-“USA” in Bogota, Colombia) with 7.000 members and Expats in Bogota with over 10.000 members, being these two the most popular.
In Medellín pre-pandemic, there were many regular organized meetups for expats each month. My expat friends in Bogotá tell me that there are fewer expat meetups in Bogotá. So, Medellín arguably wins this category with a better-organized expat community and normally more regularly organized expat events.
Expat Community Winner: Medellín
11. English Proficiency Levels – Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá clearly leads in English proficiency among Colombians. As the capital and main business center of Colombia, it hosts many multinational corporations, resulting in a higher number of English speakers.
In contrast, Medellín has fewer English speakers. While you might find some in hotels and restaurants, everyday interactions typically involve less English, with bilinguals mainly among executives in larger companies.
Even in Bogotá, knowing some Spanish is vital. It empowers you to navigate the city confidently and maintain independence in communication.
English Level Winner: Bogotá
12. Things to Do – Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá wins here. Both Medellín and Bogotá have many things to do in the cities as well as many things to do nearby. But Bogotá is a much bigger city so it arguably wins this category with more things to do. We also have looked at 15 top things to do in Bogotá.
As the bigger city, Bogotá has many more concerts and festivals than Medellín each year. Most of the international concerts that come to Colombia tend to choose Bogotá over Medellín. For example, when the Rolling Stones came to Colombia, they chose Bogotá.
Bogotá offers a richer variety of museums compared to Medellín. The capital city is also home to a larger number of churches, outdoor activities, sights, and landmarks, largely due to its size, with nearly three times the metro population of Medellín. However, this doesn’t imply that Medellín lacks attractions; there are plenty of things to do in the city. It’s just the case that larger cities tend to provide a wider array of activities and experiences.
Overall, the city’s climate, geographic conditions, history, and culture offer a variety of activities that cater to each individual's interests and personality.
Things to Do Winner: Bogotá
13. Pollution – Medellín vs Bogotá
The two cities are closely ranked in terms of pollution, with the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting Medellín at #9 and Bogotá at #10 among the most polluted cities in Latin America.
Medellín’s location in a canyon, surrounded by mountains, traps pollution in the metropolitan area, similar to issues faced by Denver. While frequent rain helps clear the air, it doesn’t eliminate the problem. In contrast, Bogotá’s vast urban expanse often leads to thick layers of smog during thermal inversion events, underscoring its air quality challenges.
However, neither city is the most polluted in Latin America. According to WHO, cities like Santiago in Chile, Lima in Peru, Monterrey in Mexico, Cubatão in Brazil, and various towns in Costa Rica experience worse pollution, highlighting the urgent need for improved air quality measures in these areas.
Pollution Winner: Both Cities
14. Education Options – Medellín vs Bogotá
When choosing between Medellín and Bogotá for education as an expatriate, consider institutional quality and cultural adaptation. Bogotá offers prestigious universities and a range of international schools, including also more modern educational infrastructure. However, Medellín features similar universities and schools, with a welcoming atmosphere that aids expatriate integration. It tends to have a lower cost of living, while Bogotá’s capital status provides better access to other regions.
In my experience, Bogotá wins here. The QS Quacquarelli Symonds firm published its new World University Rankings, listing the best universities in the world for 2025 (released one year in advance). A total of 24 Colombian institutions ranked among the most distinguished globally. These are the best universities in Colombia, highlighting the positions held by the universities of Bogotá and Medellín.
- Universidad de los Andes Colombia (179 a nivel mundial)
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia (219 including both locations in Medellín and Bogotá)
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (377)
- Universidad del Rosario (771-780)
- Universidad de Antioquia (791-800)
- Universidad EAFIT (901-950)
- Universidad Externado de Colombia (901-950)
- Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (901-950)
- Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano (1.401+)
- Universidad de La Salle (1.401+)
- Universidad de Medellín (1.401+)
As in previous editions, only Los Andes and La Nacional appear among the top 10 in Latin America. The regional ranking is completed with institutions from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.
Both cities offer quality education, but the best choice depends on personal priorities such as institutions, environment, cost, and location. Bogotá, being larger than Medellín, boasts a greater number of bilingual schools and educational programs.
Education Options Winner: Bogotá
15. Internet Availability – Medellín vs Bogotá
Both Medellín and Bogotá offer excellent high-speed Internet options of 300 Mbps or higher. In Medellín, Claro provides up to 300 Mbps, while Tigo-UNE and Movistar offer speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Most buildings in the city have service from at least one of these providers, all of which also offer triple-play packages that include Internet, TV, and phone.
In Bogotá, Claro delivers speeds of up to 300 Mbps, and ETB offers up to 150 Mbps where fiber is available. Like Medellín, most buildings in Bogotá have access to these providers, ensuring robust triple-play service options as well.
We’ve collaborated with our digital nomad friends in both cities to create an exceptional blog that details the internet connections available as an essential part of working remotely in these cities. In both cases, the options are outstanding.
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Read MoreInternet Availability Winner: Both Cities
16. Safety – Medellín vs Bogotá
Medellín arguably wins here. Both Medellín and Bogotá have improved safety in recent decades, but they still have safety concerns like other major cities.
Medellín has changed a lot and is now safer than before. More police, community programs, and local initiatives have helped reduce crime. Most tourists and residents feel safe during the day, but it’s wise to be careful at night and avoid certain neighborhoods with higher crime rates.
Meanwhile, Bogotá, the capital, has a more complicated safety situation. Some areas are safe, while others have higher crime rates. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, often occurs in crowded places and on public transport. It’s important to stay alert and protect your belongings.
In both cities, it’s crucial to be aware of your belongings in crowded areas and be careful when walking alone at night, especially in unknown areas. You must research areas before going out and avoid neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Stay aware of your surroundings on public transport, don’t show valuables, and keep important phone numbers handy, such as the local police, your embassy, and consulate and be well-covered by the best health insurance for expats in Colombia.
While both cities have their share of safety concerns, Medellín generally enjoys a reputation for being safer than Bogotá. However, individual experiences can vary, and it's crucial to take personal safety seriously in both cities.
Safety Winner: Medellín
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Read More17. Shopping – Medellín vs Bogotá
Both cities arguably tie here. Both Medellín and Bogotá have many large Western style malls. The largest malls in Medellín include El Tesoro, Los Molinos, Mayorca, Oviedo, Premium Plaza, Puerta del Norte, Santafé, Unicentro and Viva Envigado.
Santafé mall is one the largest malls in Medellín with over 400 shops. The Medellín metro area has many malls and we have looked at the 14 best malls in Medellín.
Bogotá offers a diverse shopping experience with malls for every taste. Atlantis Plaza features luxury brands, while Centro Andino showcases local and international fashion. Centro Mayor is one of Latin America’s largest malls, and El Retiro caters to a sophisticated crowd. Gran Estación combines retail with transit convenience, and Hacienda Santa Barbara offers a charming, colonial shopping atmosphere. Titán Plaza has over 400 stores for all budgets, Santafé boasts popular brands and dining, and Unicentro remains a family-friendly favorite. Whatever you’re seeking, Bogotá’s malls have it!
These shopping centers, along with numerous others, contribute to Medellin and Bogotá's vibrant retail scene, offering residents and visitors alike a plethora of choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Shopping Winner: Both Cities
18. Protests - Medellín vs Bogotá
Bogotá clearly leads in the frequency and intensity of protests, given its status as the capital and political hub. The city experiences more demonstrations due to a range of socio-economic issues and political discontent, often resulting in clashes between protesters and security forces, which in some occasions have expanded to another cities including Medellin in what is called “Paro Nacional”.
Media coverage is also more extensive in Bogotá, highlighting the political significance of these protests and their potential national impact. This heightened activity disrupts daily life more noticeably, affecting transportation, businesses, and tourism, while reflecting urgent social concerns within the city’s dynamic landscape
It is essential to recognize that in any politically dynamic and engaged democracy, the capital city is primed to experience and respond to the passions of its citizens, making it more susceptible to protests and expressions of dissent.
Protests Winner: Medellín
The Medellin Guru City and Place Comparisons
We have compared on this website living in Medellin with living in several foreign locations:
- Medellín vs Cuenca – two top foreign retirement locations in Colombia and Ecuador.
- Medellín vs Algarve – two top foreign retirement locations in Colombia and Portugal.
- Medellín vs Chiang Mai – two top foreign retirement locations in Colombia and Thailand.
- Medellín vs Valletta – two top foreign retirement locations in Colombia and Malta.
- Medellín vs Panama City – two top foreign retirement locations.
- Medellín vs Costa Rica – two top foreign retirement locations.
- Medellín vs Mazatlán – two top foreign retirement locations in Colombia and Mexico.
- Medellín vs Puerto Vallarta – two popular retirement locations in Colombia and Mexico.
- Medellín vs Mexico City – comparing the cities in Colombia and Mexico.
- Medellín vs Rio de Janeiro – comparing two cities in Colombia and Brazil.
- Medellín vs Fortaleza – comparing two cities in Colombia and Brazil.
- Medellín vs Lima – two top foreign retirement locations in Colombia and Peru.
- Medellín vs Buenos Aires – comparing the cities in Colombia and Argentina.
- Medellín vs Santiago – comparing the cities in Colombia and Chile.
Also, we have compared living in different cities in Colombia:
- Medellín vs Bogotá – the two largest cities in Colombia.
- Medellín vs Pereira vs Bucaramanga – three cities of eternal spring in Colombia.
- Medellín vs Cartagena – a beach city versus a mountain city showdown in Colombia.
- Medellín vs Cali – a showdown between the “city of eternal spring” vs the “city of eternal summer” in Colombia.
- Medellín vs Manizales – Medellín versus a smaller city in the coffee region of Colombia.
- Medellín vs Armenia – Medellín versus the smallest city in the coffee region of Colombia.
- Medellín vs Barranquilla – Medellín versus a coastal city in Colombia.
- Medellín vs Santa Marta – Medellín versus a smaller coastal city in Colombia.
- Pereira vs Manizales vs Armenia – comparing three cities in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle.
- Cartagena vs Santa Marta – a showdown between two beach cities in Colombia.
The Bottom Line: Medellín vs Bogotá: Which is the Better City to Live In?
In our comparison, Medellín outperforms Bogotá, winning in eight of 18 categories, while Bogotá claims seven victories and the two cities tie in three. This analysis suggests that Medellín has the upper hand overall. If you prioritize the cost of living, a mild climate, and better public transportation, Medellín is your clear choice. However, if job availability, a vibrant restaurant scene, and nightlife are what you seek, Bogotá may be more suitable.
Medellín wins in 8 of our 18 categories
Bogotá wins in 7 of our 18 categories
Both cities tie in three categories
Both cities have distinct advantages, but I personally favor Medellín for its ideal climate, lower costs, and manageable size, offering a solid range of activities and dining options. Before making a decision, consider the downsides of living in Bogotá, as well as the downsides that Medellin presents. Ultimately, the best city for you depends on your priorities, and spending time in each is the best way to find out.
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20 thoughts on “Medellín vs Bogotá: Which is the Better City to Live In?”
This is a well-balanced article. It can’t be easy for a Medellín partisan to admit that Bogotá is an equally attractive city. 🙂
Hi Jeff
I’m not quite sure about Medellin being safer than Bogota.
Bogota has 39 murders per million (464 murders)
Medellín has 86 murders per million (343 murders)
by aug 2019
As you can see, Medellín is twice as dangerous in terms of threat to human life which is the main concern for an expat.
https://www.google.com.co/amp/s/www.lafm.com.co/colombia/bogota-medellin-y-cali-ciudades-las-mas-altas-tasas-de-homicidios-en-colombia%3famp
I prefer Medellin too. Lived in Miami FL. and San Jose CA. also in Bogota for 10 years and been living in Medellin for 11. Warm weather is awesome in Medellín but I wouldn’t bias the facts just because i like Medellin better.
Bogota has much higher robbery rates than Medellín. In 2018, Bogotá had a robbery rate of 1,477 per 100,000 inhabitants. But in Chapinero, the rate in 2018 was much higher than the overall city with 8,317 robberies of persons per 100,000 and and Santa Fe had 7,845 robberies of persons per 100,000 – https://medellinguru.com/is-bogota-safe/
In Medellín in 2018 there were 20,607 robberies of persons. Medellín has a population of 2,214,494 million. So this is a robbery of person rate for Medellín of 930 per 100,000 in 2018 that is much lower than in Bogotá. See the robbery of person count in Medellín in this article – https://noticias.caracoltv.com/antioquia/estas-fueron-las-comunas-mas-afectadas-por-hurtos-durante-2018-en-medellin
Yes, there are too many robberies in Chapinero, but the per resident metric is misleading in this case. During the day, Chapinero is flooded with workers from all over Bogotá, and by night it’s inundated with diners and party-goers from all over the city. Surely, many if not most of the people robbed in Chapinero do not actually live there. The per resident stat is likely the best stat that’s available to you, but in this case it tells a very incomplete story.
I would say the shopping in Bogota is much better than that of Medellin. Bogota is a very much a cosmopolitan city, with stores that cater to a diverse and wide variety of patrons. All the international retailers doing business in Colombia, have presence in the city. I can’t say the same thing for Medellin. Medellin is very much a provincial, second city, whereas Bogota is very cosmopolitan with a global presence. Sure, there are some things that make Medellin more attractive for some people. However, when it comes to diversity and options, Bogota easily wins.
I respectfully disagree. Medellín has the largest mall in Colombia and and as many large malls as Bogotá, which a much bigger city. And Bogotá has absolutely nothing like El Hueco in Medellín. So, I put the two cities tied for shopping. And the two cities tied overall if you equally weigh the categories.
But to each his own. Everyone has different priorities.
With regards to the public transport, many Paisa friends and clients of mine have actually said they prefer the Transmilenio over the Medellin Metro. The main reason is the metro only has 2 lines and most places in the city you cannot reach and still need to drive/taxi/bus. Transmilenio covers most of Bogota and more convenient in their opinion.
I have taken both, and I’d think both are “overcapacity and people are packed like sardines during rush hours”. Also the Medellin Metro doesnt have air-conditioning and is hot as hell especially during mid day. I’d say there are no winners. Both are losers. Both cities need to invest more in infrastructure.
Well, I also have several Rolo friends in Bogotá that hate the Transmilenio and prefer Medellín’s metro. Also, the Medellín metro system is more than 2 lines, as it is more than the 2 train lines. Look at the map here – https://www.metrodemedellin.gov.co/Portals/1/pdf/g-mapa-esquematico.PDF.pdf?ver=2017-03-02-075732-720. It’s an integrated transportation system that also has a tram line, 4 cable cars lines and 2 elongated bus lines. Plus there are hundreds of metro feeder buses with integrated metro fares where you can go many places in the metro area even as far north at Barbosa and as far south as Caldas on metro buses.
Agreed that the Medellín metro is over capacity during rush hour. But Medellín is investing in more infrastructure – they are currently adding 2 more cable car lines and another elongated bus line and more trains plus expanding the Poblado metro station. And they have plans to add another tram line on 80 for better coverage in the western part of the city.
I also have been on both and in my opinion, Transmilenio is much more over capacity than the metro in Medellin. During rush hour on the Transmilenio it is so completely jam packed you can’t get off the buses. Passengers at stations don’t give the right of way to departing passengers so it is nearly impossible to exit in my experience. In Medellín at least the passengers at stations do give the right away to departing passengers. Also, Transmilenio doesn’t go everywhere in the huge city of Bogota and there are many places where you would need to catch a local bus or taxi.
I much prefer the metro system in Medellin.
Thanks for an informative article.
I agree that Medellin metro is better than transmilenio. It’s less crowded during rush hour, (TM can be insane), but also people in Medellin seem to be friendlier and more polite. None of the aggressive pushing and shoving I have seen in Bogota. Another thing; the view when riding the metro and especially the cable cars can’t be beat, (except for the view of the Medellin river in the South of the city – ugh)
Hi Jeff, i have read a couple of your articles and really enjoy them for being accurate and a great tool for getting to know Colombia. On this particular article I feel compelled to make a suggestion on your international School options. Please review Marymount School, Vermont School as well, these are exceptional schools you should consider including in your article. I’m happy to help you with that.
Great report!
Jeff, would love to see more about Cali, If you can compare it to other cities even better. I know it has the best hospital in Colombia. According to you. I hear for a smaller town the nightlife is really great.
Cheers, Brock
Interesting if you are open to more categories I have a couple
1) Safety for cyclists (as a means of a to b as opposed to leisure
2) Flatness for those who have problems with hills – my late Gran in the UK chose her retirement destination partly on this criteria
3) Ability to get to interesting places in Colombia by driving or on a direct flight.
Bogota has flights to Yopal, Leticia but Medellin has flights to Choco so no idea which wins.
Have you ever thought of looking at Popayan?
Hi David, thanks. Those are some good additional category suggestions that I’ll consider adding for future city comparisons. Popayan is really too small, so not much interest I have heard of from expats.
Hi, I am from Bogotá it is relative safer for cyclist bogota, also Bogota is more flat so it is better for cycling
Thanks Jeff, great comparison of both cities. All things considered I’d prefer to live in Medellin. I prefer warmer weather.
Cheers, Brock
Hi Brock, thanks! I also prefer the warmer weather. Bogotá is a bit too cold for me. But some expats I have met prefer that.
Good article Jeff.
I disagree with your assessment on shopping.
Bogota wins hands down in the shopping category.
Joe, I disagree with you. There are so many shopping options in Medellin also. But I have seen a few stores in Bogota that you can’t find in Medellin like Louis Vuitton, but who needs crazy priced bags.
Jeff, this is a nice article comparing the two cities. Thanks!
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