What's not in the calculator
Calculators can only capture the measurable. Here's what makes Medellín feel even cheaper once you're there:
- Fresh produce at local markets (plazas). A week of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and eggs often costs less than a single US grocery run.
- Executive lunch (menú del día). Mid-range restaurants serve full lunches — soup, main, juice, dessert — for just a few dollars.
- No car needed. The metro is clean and efficient. Uber and InDriver are everywhere. Most expats sell their car back home and never replace it.
- Climate savings. Zero heating bills. No air conditioning in most apartments. No snow tires, no winter wardrobe, no hurricane shutters.
- Healthcare visits without dread. A specialist visit out-of-pocket often costs less than a US copay. You stop postponing care.
A note on exchange rates: All Medellín figures assume a mid-range USD/COP exchange rate. When the dollar strengthens against the peso, your savings grow. When it weakens, they shrink. Most retirees keep their savings in USD and convert monthly.