Retire or relocate # 2

Next in the series of places to relocate to, let's take a look at Medellin, Columbia.

Where: Medellin is the second largest city in Columbia, located in the Aburra Valley in the northern area of the Andes. 

Fast facts:

Population: around 4 million; the city is mostly safe, relatively clean and without litter.

Weather: The weather is fairly constant year-round between 59F to 86F, a tropical rainforest climate. No need for heating or cooling. City is known as the ‘city of eternal spring”, with trees and flowers, greenery and parks.

Language: Spanish, very little English spoken

Currency: Pesos: 12.54 = 1 US

Transport: Metro train, taxi, bus.  The Medellin Metro is efficient and runs smoothly; therefore owning a vehicle may not be a necessity. Taxis are available and the fee are low at +- $4/8/trip depending.

To do: Medellin has 20 public libraries, 40 museums, 21 public parks and 28 theaters, outdoor parks, museums, universities. Shopping malls, gyms, restaurants, Spanish classes, dance academies and excellent coffee.

Hospitals: 5, local health care is rated good. (US citizens can’t use Medicare)

Airport:  Jose Maria Cordova International Airport.

Approximate costs below are guidelines sourced via the web:

Cost of living in US dollars:

Medellin, Columbia can be approximately $1,500/m - $1,890/month

Rent:  3 bed luxury apartment = $700

Gas = $25

Utilities = $150, sewer, garbage & water

Transport = $25

Electricity = $50

Tel = $10

Cable = $20

Internet = $20

Maid services/full time = $350

Groceries = $400

Entertainment = $300, eating out, movies, other

Total = around $1890/month

Other info: cell/unlimited internet $32/month

Internet chat/free

Approximate cost for smaller apartment: 

$1,000-$1,500/month in Poblano, or Nueva

1 bed apartment from $350

Utilities = $50

Eat out = $5-$15/meal

Other: = $200

Total = around $1,000/month

US citizens see Embassy warnings before traveling abroad.

Recommended Dish: Bandeja Paisa: chicken or beef served with rice, banana, egg, and chorizo

References: Wikipedia, CIA fact file, Reuters. Comments and feedback is appreciated!