Cost of Living: London vs Medellin (2026)
United Kingdom vs Colombia — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €105k
- 9% social
- €600/yr accountant
- No VAT exemption
- 28% social
- €300/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out early in London's winter. Plan accordingly.
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 · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Requires two doctors' approval under Abortion Act 1967, but broadly available up to 24 weeks.
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
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 77% cheaper in Medellin ($703/mo vs $3000/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Medellin (26°C vs 22°C).
- •London is safer by homicide rate (1.1 vs 25.3 per 100k).
- •London scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 6.3 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in London (100/100 vs 28/100).
London vs Medellin — Common Questions
Is London cheaper than Medellin?▾
Medellin is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $703/month in Medellin vs $3000/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, London or Medellin?▾
London is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. London has a rate of 1.07 per 100,000 and Medellin has 25.27 per 100,000.
Should I move to London or Medellin?▾
London scores 61 to Medellin's 50 on livability — the gap is real. Medellin has its charms, but the numbers favor London. 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 London or Medellin?▾
London: UK Skilled Worker Visa (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.
Which has better weather, London or Medellin?▾
Medellin is warmer in summer (26°C vs 22°C). London has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
Can I live in London or Medellin without speaking the local language?▾
London is easier for street-level English (100/100) 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.
What's the cost of rent in London vs Medellin?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $703/month in Medellin, $3000/month in London (Numbeo). That's 77% cheaper rent in Medellin.
Is London or Medellin better for democracy and rule of law?▾
London scores 8.3/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 6.3/10 for Medellin. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in London or Medellin?▾
London scores higher on our composite healthcare index (82/100 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.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare London
London vs Madrid
Compare London
London vs Lisbon
Compare Medellin
Medellin vs Buenos Aires
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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