Cost of Living: Amsterdam vs Medellin (2026)

Medellin is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $703/month there vs $2602/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Amsterdam is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Amsterdam has a rate of 0.73 per 100,000 and Medellin has 25.27 per 100,000.

Amsterdam scores 69 to Medellin's 50 on livability — the gap is real. Medellin has its charms, but the numbers favor Amsterdam. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Amsterdam: Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (complex process, Up to 5 years). Medellin: Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (V-type) (easy to get, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Medellin is warmer in summer (79°F vs 68°F). Amsterdam has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Amsterdam is easier for street-level English (76/100) than Medellin (28/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $703/month in Medellin, $2602/month in Amsterdam (Numbeo). That's 73% cheaper rent in Medellin.

Amsterdam scores 9.0/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 6.3/10 for Medellin. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.

Amsterdam scores higher on our composite healthcare index (86/100 vs 71/100 for Medellin). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.