Medellín vs Oaxaca: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Medellín costs roughly 26% less than Oaxaca. Oaxaca leads on digital nomad infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Oaxaca is approximately 0% less expensive than Medellín based on cost of living including rent. This makes Oaxaca a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Oaxaca has a FIRE Score of 65/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 55, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Oaxaca is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Colombia
Colombia works for budget-focused retirees willing to trade nightly safety margin for cost savings, not for anyone spooked by a Level 3 travel advisory. Rent outside the center runs $343.70/mo, gutting your housing line, but a 39.1 safety index means you plan routes and skip flashing cash. The $1,400/mo income threshold unlocks both the Pensionado and Nomad visas, cheap entry into a clear PR pathway.
$1,400/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
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About Mexico
Safety-sensitive retirees should pause: a 46.6 safety index and political stability score of 22.7 signal real risk. But budget-conscious Americans willing to navigate that tradeoff get low rent (under $800/mo city center), a large expat network, and an easy $4,400/mo income visa path to permanent residency.
$2,326/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
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Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Medellín | Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $450 | $448.58 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $350 | $286.25 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $950 | $687.01 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $700 | $458 |
| Safety Index | 60 | 55 |
| Internet Speed | 56.8Mbps | 75Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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