Cost of Living: Bali vs Medellin (2026)
Indonesia vs Colombia — relocation comparison
1BR centre
At each city's local median pay
- VAT-free under €275k
- €200/yr accountant
- No VAT exemption
- 28% social
- €300/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Verdict delivered. Your move.
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · Gallup · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Only for life-threatening emergencies or rape victims (up to 14 weeks). Highly restricted otherwise.
Legal on request up to 24 weeks since 2022 Constitutional Court ruling.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Bali vs Medellin — Common Questions
Is Bali cheaper than Medellin?▾
Medellin is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $703/month there vs $1082/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Bali or Medellin?▾
Bali is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bali has a rate of 0.31 per 100,000 and Medellin has 25.27 per 100,000.
Should I move to Bali or Medellin?▾
Bali scores 63 to Medellin's 50 on livability — the gap is real. Medellin has its charms, but the numbers favor Bali. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Bali or Medellin?▾
Bali: Indonesia Second Home Visa (complex process, 5 or 10 years). Medellin: Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (V-type) (easy to get, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Bali or Medellin?▾
Bali is warmer in summer (84°F vs 79°F). Medellin has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Bali vs Medellin?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $703/month in Medellin, $1082/month in Bali (Numbeo). That's 35% cheaper rent in Medellin.
Is healthcare better in Bali or Medellin?▾
Medellin scores higher on our composite healthcare index (71/100 vs 52/100 for Bali). 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.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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