How We Cut Our Living Costs by 68% Moving from London to Medellín

£6,800/month in London. $2,200/month in Medellín. Same lifestyle - better food, better weather, more time. Here's the full money breakdown after 18 months.

People thought we were mad. Two tech workers packing up our Zone 2 flat to move to Colombia. Medellín's homicide rate is now lower than many US cities, and El Poblado and Laureles have transformed into world-class expat neighbourhoods.

Month one reality check: we cut our living costs by 68%, upgraded our apartment size by 200%, and spent more time outdoors in the first month than the entire previous year combined.

London vs Medellín: The Full Numbers

Monthly Costs Side by Side

Rent (2BR, fully furnished, pool included): £2,400 → $550
Groceries: £480 → $120
Dining out: £560 → $180
Transport (Metro + Indriver taxis): £180 → $30
Gym + Wellness: £120 → $40
Health insurance: £280 → $65
Total saved every month: £3,870 ($4,900)

The Unexpected Quality Upgrade

Our apartment in El Poblado has a pool, a gym, and a view of the mountains. Our London flat had a shared courtyard and a view of a brick wall. The food quality is dramatically better - fresh produce daily from street markets at a fraction of London supermarket prices.

The Climate Dividend

The climate is eternal spring - 22–26°C year-round. No heating bills. No heavy coats. The city earns its nickname: La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera.

The Colombian Migrant Visa

The Migrant Visa (M) takes about 4–6 weeks and requires proof of income or savings. After 5 years you qualify for permanent residency automatically.

Gather income proof and apostilled criminal record certificate
Apply online via Colombia's migration portal
Attend biometrics appointment in Medellín
Receive your Cédula de Extranjería (resident ID) within 2–3 weeks

We've become healthier, more social, and happier than at any point in our London years. The numbers are impressive. The life quality improvement is beyond numbers.