Why Medellin Remains a Top Retirement Destination
Medellin continues to rank among the best cities in Latin America for retirement, and it’s easy to see why. With its spring-like climate, vibrant cultural life, excellent healthcare, and modern infrastructure, Medellin delivers a high quality of life—at a fraction of the cost of major U.S. or European cities.
But how much money do you actually need to retire comfortably here in 2025? The answer depends on your lifestyle, but most expats are pleasantly surprised by how far their retirement income can go.
EVERYPLACE helps retirees navigate every step, from understanding the cost of living to finding the perfect long-term rental or property investment in Medellin.
Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Comfortable Retirement
For a single person seeking a relaxed, middle-class lifestyle in a desirable neighborhood, here’s a typical monthly budget:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR in Laureles or Envigado) | \$700–\$1,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | \$100–\$150 |
| Groceries | \$250–\$300 |
| Dining & Entertainment | \$200–\$400 |
| Health Insurance | \$100–\$200 |
| Transportation | \$50–\$100 |
| Miscellaneous | \$100–\$200 |
| Total (Monthly) | \$1,500–\$2,300 |
Owning vs. Renting: Retirement Real Estate Considerations
While renting is a popular choice for flexibility, many retirees eventually opt to buy. Medellin offers excellent real estate value, especially compared to the U.S. or Canada. You can find modern, spacious apartments in top areas for \$100,000–\$180,000 USD.
See current for sale listings or explore rental listings to get a sense of what your retirement budget can afford.
Healthcare: World-Class and Affordable
Medellin has some of the best healthcare facilities in Latin America. Private insurance for retirees can cost \$100–\$200 per month, and even without insurance, out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, dental care, and medications are significantly lower than in the U.S.
Visa and Income Requirements
To qualify for a Colombian retirement visa in 2025, you’ll need to show a monthly pension income of around \$1,000 USD. This can come from Social Security, a private pension, or an annuity.
EVERYPLACE can connect you with trusted visa experts to ensure a smooth application process.
Lifestyle Choices That Affect Your Budget
- Location matters: El Poblado is pricier but upscale; Laureles and Envigado offer more affordable charm with walkability and culture.
- Dining out vs. cooking at home: Eating at local restaurants is cheap, but your budget can stretch further if you cook with fresh market ingredients.
- Car vs. public transport: Most retirees find Medellin’s metro and ride-hailing apps perfectly sufficient—no car required.
So, How Much Do You Really Need?
Most retirees live comfortably in Medellin on \$1,800–\$2,300 USD per month. Those with more modest needs or who share expenses can live well on even less. Meanwhile, those seeking luxury amenities or travel can do so with a slightly higher budget.
The bottom line? Medellin offers a dynamic, international-standard lifestyle for a fraction of what it would cost in most major cities.
EVERYPLACE helps you make the transition with ease—from arrival to property search to everyday support—so you can focus on enjoying your retirement, not figuring it out alone.