Mexico vs Colombia
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 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
Not sure which Mexico visa you qualify for?
Answer 10 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
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
Not sure which Colombia visa you qualify for?
Answer 10 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
Scroll to compare
| Metric | Mexico | Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2 — Increased Caution | Level 3 — Reconsider Travel |
| Quality of Life Index | 126.3 +17.5 | 108.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 72.5 +3.9 | 68.6 |
| Safety Index | 46.6 +7.5 | 39.1 |
| Cost of Living Index | 34.5 | 26 +8.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $770.88 | $445.74 +325.14 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $507.48 | $343.7 +163.78 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,420.07 | $905.91 +514.16 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $956.87 | $629.52 +327.35 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 174.1 Mbps +54.1 | 120 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Colombia. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Colombia. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
Get a quote →Related Comparisons
Explore Colombia
Popular Comparisons
Cities
Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question to expand the answer.