Colombia vs Mexico
Colombia costs roughly 33% less than Mexico, though Mexico has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Colombia is approximately 33% less expensive than Mexico based on cost of living including rent. This makes Colombia a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Colombia has a FIRE Score of 89/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 39.1, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Colombia is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Colombia
Best for digital nomads thanks to a low-cost lifestyle and a straightforward Digital Nomad Visa requiring only $750/month income. Rent in a city center averages just $445.74/month, and total monthly costs (excluding rent) are $571.50—far below typical US expenses. However, safety is a major concern with a high crime index (67.4) and a US Travel Advisory Level 3, requiring caution.
$1,983/mo
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About Mexico
Mexico best suits retirees seeking a low-cost, visa-friendly path to residency, with a clear pathway to citizenship after four years. Its cost of living index is 34.5 versus New York City, and a one-bedroom in the city center averages $771 per month. The trade-off is persistent safety and political stability concerns—crime index sits at 53.4 and political stability at just 22.7.
$1,527/mo
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Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Colombia | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 3 — Reconsider Travel | Level 2 — Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 108.8 | 126.3 +17.5 |
| Healthcare Index | 68.6 | 72.5 +3.9 |
| Safety Index | 39.1 | 46.6 +7.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 26 +8.5 | 34.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $445.74 +325.14 | $770.88 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $343.7 +163.78 | $507.48 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $905.91 +514.16 | $1,420.07 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $629.52 +327.35 | $956.87 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 120 Mbps | 174.1 Mbps +54.1 |
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