Medellin vs Austin: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Medellin vs Austin: Medellin runs about $1,150/mo all-in vs $3,170/mo in Austin — Medellin is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Medellin is the cheaper base — roughly $2,020/mo less all-in, Austin scores higher for safety, and Austin has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Medellin is about $2,020/mo cheaper — $1,150/mo all-in vs $3,170/mo in Austin (one person).
- Rent: lower in Medellin ($600/mo vs $1,800/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Austin rates higher (62/100 for Medellin vs 76/100 for Austin).
- Internet: Austin scores better for remote work (65/100 vs 90/100).
- Climate: Medellin edges ahead (86/100 vs 72/100).
- Visa: easier to move to Medellin — Medellin's process is rated Easy, Austin's Hard.
- Retirement/long-stay: Medellin offers the Colombia Pensioner Visa; Austin has no comparable retirement visa.
- Families: Austin rates safer for family life (50/100 vs 78/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Austin (~$4,500/mo vs ~$950/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Medellin (82/100 vs 76/100).
- Sunshine: Austin logs about 300 sunny days a year vs 220 in Medellin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medellin or Austin cheaper to live in?
Medellin costs about $1,150/month all-in for one person; Austin costs about $3,170/month. That makes Medellin roughly $2,020/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Medellin than Austin?
About $2,020/month for a single person — $1,150/mo in Medellin vs $3,170/mo in Austin, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Medellin or Austin?
Austin scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (62/100 for Medellin vs 76/100 for Austin). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Medellin or Austin?
For connectivity, Austin rates higher (65/100 vs 90/100). On climate, Medellin edges ahead (86/100 vs 72/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Medellin or Austin?
Medellin's visa process is rated Easy (about 5 weeks); Austin's is rated Hard (about 12 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Medellin and Austin for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.