Medellin has become a hotspot for expats, remote workers, and investors, but understanding the local income levels is key to making informed decisions.
The city offers a lower cost of living compared to North America and Europe, but salaries can vary widely depending on the industry, skill level, and whether you’re a local worker or a foreign professional.
So, what is the average income in Medellin, and how does it compare to the cost of living and investment opportunities? Let’s break it down.
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Average Salaries by Industry
Salaries in Medellin vary based on industry, education level, and experience. While wages are lower than in North America or Europe, the lower cost of living helps balance the difference.
High-Paying Industries
Some sectors offer competitive salaries, particularly for skilled professionals and expats.
- Technology & Software Development – $2,000 to $4,000 USD/month
- Engineering & Finance – $1,500 to $3,500 USD/month
- Entrepreneurship & Startups – Highly variable, with potential for higher earnings
- Remote Work & Digital Nomads – Depends on the employer’s country, but often $2,000+ USD/month
Average Salaries in Other Key Sectors
Many traditional jobs in Medellin pay significantly less than in Western countries.
- Healthcare (Doctors & Specialists) – $1,500 to $3,000 USD/month
- Education (University Professors & Teachers) – $800 to $1,800 USD/month
- Customer Service & Hospitality – $400 to $900 USD/month
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Minimum Wage & Median Income
Understanding the minimum and median wages in Medellin helps put salaries into perspective, especially when comparing them to the cost of living.
Colombia’s Minimum Wage
As of 2024, Colombia’s minimum monthly wage is $1,300,000 COP (approximately $330 USD). Many local workers, particularly in hospitality, retail, and informal sectors, earn close to this amount.
- Minimum wage (2024): $1,300,000 COP (~$330 USD)
- Typical earnings for low-wage jobs: $330 to $600 USD/month
Median Income in Medellin
While the minimum wage sets the legal baseline, the median salary in Medellin is significantly higher, especially in professional industries.
- Median monthly salary: $2,000,000 to $3,500,000 COP (~$500 to $900 USD)
- White-collar professionals: $4,000,000+ COP (~$1,000+ USD)
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Cost of Living Comparison
A key factor in understanding Medellin’s average income is how it compares to daily expenses. While salaries are lower than in North America or Europe, the cost of living is significantly more affordable.
Monthly Expenses for a Single Person
Here’s a breakdown of average costs in Medellin:
| Expense | Average Cost (USD) |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment in El Poblado) | $700 – $1,500 |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment in Laureles/Envigado) | $400 – $900 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | $50 – $120 |
| Groceries | $150 – $300 |
| Dining Out (mid-range restaurant) | $5 – $15 per meal |
| Public Transportation (Metro, buses) | $30 – $50 |
| Healthcare (private insurance) | $50 – $150 |
How Salaries Compare to Expenses
- Minimum wage earners often struggle to afford rent in high-end neighborhoods and tend to live in more affordable areas outside El Poblado.
- Middle-income professionals can live comfortably in Laureles, Envigado, or Belén while maintaining a good quality of life.
- Expats & remote workers earning in USD or Euros can enjoy a luxury lifestyle at a lower cost than in their home countries.
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Salaries for Expats & Remote Workers
Many foreign professionals, digital nomads, and remote workers are choosing Medellin due to its affordable living costs, modern infrastructure, and high quality of life. But how much can they expect to earn?
Expats Working in Medellin
Expats employed by local Colombian companies may find salaries lower than in their home countries. However, they often work in higher-paying fields such as:
- Teaching English (Private Schools & Universities) – $1,000 to $2,000 USD/month
- Tech & IT Jobs (Local Companies) – $1,500 to $3,500 USD/month
- Business & Consulting Roles – $1,500 to $4,000 USD/month
Remote Work: Earning in USD or Euros
Those working remotely for international companies benefit from earning in a stronger currency while enjoying Medellin’s lower cost of living.
- Tech, Marketing, Design (US/EU Companies) – $3,000 to $8,000+ USD/month
- Freelancers & Entrepreneurs – Highly variable, depending on clients and industry
- Real Estate Investors – Many expats generate income through rental properties in Medellin
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Investment & Business Opportunities
Medellin’s growing economy and affordable real estate market make it an attractive destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Why Medellin is a Smart Investment Choice
✔️ Affordable Real Estate – Luxury apartments and rental properties cost significantly less than in North America or Europe.
✔️ Booming Tourism & Short-Term Rentals – The demand for Airbnb-style rentals continues to grow.
✔️ Support for Entrepreneurs – Medellin has a thriving startup scene with co-working spaces and networking events.
✔️ Expanding Digital Nomad Community – More foreigners are choosing Medellin for remote work, increasing demand for long-term rentals.
Best Investment Opportunities
🏡 Real Estate Rentals: Invest in high-demand neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado for short- or long-term rentals.
💼 Tech & Startups: Medellin is becoming a hub for innovation and digital businesses.
📈 Tourism Industry: Luxury hotels, boutique rentals, and tourism-related businesses are thriving.
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How EVERYPLACE Can Help
Whether you’re considering moving to Medellin, investing in real estate, or looking for rental income, EVERYPLACE provides expert guidance to make the process smooth and successful.
✅ Why Work with EVERYPLACE?
- Exclusive Listings: Access to Medellin’s best properties for living or investment.
- Full-Service Property Management: From long-term rentals to Airbnb hosting, we handle everything.
- Expert Advice for Foreign Investors: We simplify the legal and financial aspects of buying property in Colombia.
- Personalized Support: Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a luxury apartment, we tailor our services to your needs.
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