My Monthly Budget in Medellin, Colombia DETAILS

[@MedellinBuzz]

✅ FREE Moving to Medellin checklist. Download it here: medellinmasterclass.com/checklist/ ☎ Book A Zoom or In-Person Consultation: tinyurl.com/33wadrzt 📧 Join my free newsletter: eepurl.com/hWym2j 💓 Donate: paypal.me/andrewmacia/ 👕 My Medellin T-Shirts: www.bonfire.com/store/medellin/ 00:00 Intro 01:01 - Full Monthly Budget Breackdown 09:58 - Total Montly Budget $2,117 10:21 - Outro

[@marcusalexander6677]

Hello

[@radad12]

How can I open a bank account in colombia while living in USA

[@MedellinBuzz]

I don't think you can. Usually, you need a Colombian ID and need to be present. Banking here is really behind. If you need to pay people from your US account to a Colombian account you can use apps like Wise and Remitly.@@radad12

[@mteokay1246]

Really appreciate your story ... the hustle & tenacity to start again from Zero after the 'abrupt move" to be where you are today. Most wouldnt have survived it at all. BIG INSPIRATION ! More Blessings to you !!!

[@automotiveservices2978]

Medellin is not cheap especially for Colombia and This is NOT low cost living particularly for Latin America and many of the locals struggle significantly with the cost of living. There are many places you can still live in a nice city for between ~ $800-1200 a month and have a good quality apartment, eating/drinking out or food delivery and even have healthcare/insurance and a maid, especially for the upper end of the range I just gave.

[@MedellinBuzz]

yessir, that's exactly right, el poblado is the most expensive place to live in Medellin.

[@ericallen3006]

Which cities are those? And are they safe?

[@Pitchblue1]

​@@ericallen3006Cali for example , I don't know about safe.. they certainly have less security. You just gotta have some common sense if you don't have that pay more 😂

[@automotiveservices2978]

Not just Poblado.. any "safer" area that anyone would even want to live in.. IN Medellin is quite expensive relative to other cities in latin america. A lot of the (*gringo gouged) pricing is based on hype and the amount of influx of foreigners.. isn't that just the reality now? @@MedellinBuzz

[@Solicity850]

This is why i just watch these for entertainment 😂😂 i dont take none of this for truth at all if it was this cheap or easy everyone would do it. Please dont let these YTubers fool you. I enjoy the content but do your real research . And hes spanish its easier

[@joannr3799]

My husband who is from Itagui and I, we live in the U.S. and plan to retire in 3 years and spend 6 months in Medellin and 6 months in the states every year. We will be able to live comfortably just on our social security.

[@MedellinBuzz]

I’m sure you will! 💪 My parents will be retiring here in a couple of years. they currently live in Southern California.

[@riqhte]

If you do 6months in medellin & 6 in the us probably not rent by it self in the us in about 4k to 6 k depending where you go if you just go to medellin just live your life relax with out over spending you should be fine if its a good retirement amount btw i dont how long but you could be there for years in medellin

[@KingRichez]

Great information and advice

[@Gierboo]

Good and straight to the point 👌

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thanks my friend!

[@gentilimusic3804]

People say it’s dangerous. The more videos I see the more I’m believing it’s the people that go there put themselves in dangerous situations. Beautiful place.

[@paxtecum4814]

Me gustan sus videos. Usted es una persona sencilla, nada pretenciosa ni presuntuosa, que supo resolver su vida en Colombia en medio de una encrucijada. Es el tipo de extranjeros que queremos tener aquí: que trabajen y que generen trabajo, pero además que quieran al país y lo recomienden. Se percibe que usted es feliz.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Muchas gracias. Me llena mucho el corazon que un colombiano vea eso en mi. Gracias de nuevo amogo!

[@brick247]

Great tutorial !!! I just came back from my first trip to Colombia, we decided to go to Medellin and let me tell you that I loved it, we stayed at El Poblado but we visited a few areas, out of all of them I liked Parque de La Sabaneta area, it looks nice and everything is walkable, it really looks like small town in a big city without a lot of hills and the most important factor is that there are straight flight to Medellin from where I live in the USA, I will go back in the beginning of 2024 one more time to feel the city again and decide if it is right to start buying my first apartment there.

[@teoroven6347]

You live like a king, and really and really not cheap, a single person moving to Colombia can spend less than $650 per month.

[@giorenaud9657]

Great info

[@cryptodee7173]

Omg I was literally on Calle 10 last week and walked down that exact street. 😂 I love it in Poblado! Smart fit gym was poppin! Sweet Georgia was poppin! I'll be chatting with you soon.

[@Tim8mit]

thanks good break down, thanks

[@MedellinBuzz]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Benito-fn4ip]

Great information.Thank you. Been thinking about a move to that area.

[@ArmyguyTravelsSports]

I moved to bogota 1.5 years ago. I pay approx 700 per month and have a beautiful apartment

[@MedellinBuzz]

That's awesome, what part of Bogota? I lived in Suba for 6 months back in 2010.

[@AR-vd8xs]

Where was the apartment located?

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@AR-vd8xs In el poblado, barrio manila!

[@ArmyguyTravelsSports]

@@AR-vd8xs in a strata 6 in the north of the city

[@Medellinmatchmaker]

Great video my friend. Love the honest and real breakdown of expenses!! See you soon.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thank you!

[@rescobar7929]

I haven't visitted Medellin since I was a kid, I need to go back there one of these days

[@str8vegas]

Thanks for the info Bro! Traveling Latin America from Miami and will be visiting Colombia in November so I want it to let you know your information is great! Congrats on the success!

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thanks brother! Hope you have a great trip!

[@johnbuckeye9590]

Miami is a zoo.. i live in Broward. Anything is cheaper than Florida

[@albertofuret7462]

Great video bro and congrats on turning your situation around. It’s inspirational.. Medellin is a magical place. I’ve been there twice and it’s not the cheapest place in Colombia, but it’s still less expensive than Cartagena. Keep up the good work.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thank you so much man, I really appreciate it. Sometimes things get tough in life, but those are things that make us tougher.

[@GMacII]

Very informative video! I signed up for the Masterclass. Trying to narrow down my options down from Portugal, Colombia, and Brasil. #Subscribed

[@btk2234]

Clear, informative, straight to the point. Exactly what I want to see. Thank you 🙏 I’ll be in Medellin in October.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Cheers! Thanks a lot, I'm sure you're going to love it down here.

[@MicahIngram-zj3sn]

Ypur Concepts and Ideas are Great. Keep up the Good Information. Keep on Living Your Best Life.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thank you! Appreciate it. Hope all is well.

[@edsherwook5196]

Damn I get $1900 a month from my military retirement… working on my second career but man I’m over it. I’m in an electrical apprenticeship now but only got 1 year left. Think I’m going to check out retirement for a year in Colombia and go from the there

[@TimmyKarter]

Inspiring story bro!!🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thanks brother, trying to keep up the positive vibes!

[@wayneharmon1580]

I stayed in Laureles this last July for 30 days and loved Medellin(immersed myself in learning Spanish, going to the gym and training BJJ). Next summer I plan to escape the oven here in Phoenix, AZ for 60 days staying in Laureles again. With a short term stay like that is it possible to avoid the AirBnB or gringo prices? I paid about $800/mo for a studio in a coworking space with great 24 hour security.

[@MedellinBuzz]

You can find better prices by just googling "apartamentos amoblados en Medellin." Just make sure the sites are legit.

[@rob3774]

I've been coming and going to Medellin (Colombia) for over 15 years. 12 yrs ago (2011) $1USD was 1,700-1,900 COP! Things were not that cheap back then given the exchange rate and the commodity market crash of 2014 was still 3 years away so the peso hadn't lost a ton of value. A beer was 1-2 mil at a ventenilla on the beachfront of Santa Marta. A pack of marlboro ciggs was 3,500 pesos. A one way speedboat ticket from Taganga to Tayrona park was 50,000, almost $30USD! MANY things in colombia were cheap back then but also many things were morw expensive than in the USA because of the strong peso. If you really want to live like a king and time zones for work or whatever are not an issue than SE Asia is where it's at. Chepa coat of living, even cheaper than Colombia, incredible healthy and dwlicius vegetbale based cuisines, and cheap to travel by boat, air or road. Specifically Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. And the culture and history is far more interesting in that part of the world. Medellin is so generic now and lacking real culture. With the way things are going now soon Japan will be cheaper to live in than Colombia if you have dollars. Fuck, practically everywhere you go in SE Asia from Vietnam to Thailand you can also rent 125cc scooters (Honda) for $3-5 USD/day for your transport needs depending on location and if you need to rent for longer periods of time like by the month you can rent scooters for less than $200 USD/month depending on location and country. Try doing that in Colombia renting a New Honda 125 cc automatic scooter for $4 USD/day! Hahaha, no chance! 😅. That's living like a king!

[@swag21356]

yea but spider feet in se asia

[@uekvowzkaebbzuvrgipqxhemmwbhe]

The majority of people who move to Colombia or south east Asia are pedophiles

[@jthegreat3627]

Great video!

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thank you!

[@dhobby7771]

Excellent video amigo. Much love for Medellin, wonderful people there. Greetings from sunny Cancun! 😎

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thank you! Love Cancun, hope all is well!

[@andrewcasesjr]

Subscriber #490 👍 Looking forward to learning more about Colombia 🇨🇴 and traveling there in the near future!

[@MedellinBuzz]

Hey tocayo! Thanks my friend!

[@hu-sq6lk]

this was very helpful thank you

[@MedellinBuzz]

I'm so glad!

[@Jsmash_424]

Subbed. Thank you for your incredible insight. I’m staying for this whole ride

[@MedellinBuzz]

Let's go! I appreciate that, hello from Medellin! 😎

[@eohappy]

what do you think of buying in Envigado or Sabaneta or even further south? Poblado prices are not cheap any longer

[@MedellinBuzz]

To live in, it's great. To rent on airbnb I'm not sure. You can check occupancy rates on AirDNA.

[@TenaciousT1198]

Would 4k (usd) a month be a good enough retirement to live in Colombia even in the pricier areas?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yes it could work.

[@Global_4_The_Win]

I’m planning on staying there December 2023-February 2024. This will be my first trip there and will be looking forward to finding a place to have permanently before January 2025. Hopefully we will connect.

[@all4fitz]

I'm so surprised that in Michigan, USA I pay less than you for Wi-Fi and electric and several other expenses. I would definitely want to pick a different place than Medellin. Thank you!

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yeah, I mean, my internet is a dedicated fiber optic line, I just googled "what does a dedicated fiber optic line cost in Michigan", and it's way more than what I pay (granted that the speeds are higher.) But, yeah, if internet cost is how you gauge where you're going to live, then Medellin is not for you my friend, haha.

[@jackieboy1593]

That's stupid that you're choosing a place based on what the cost of internet is.

[@all4fitz]

@@jackieboy1593 High cost of Wi-Fi and electric indicates that it is a high-cost location, which was confirmed in this video. Not recognizing this fact would be stupid.

[@johnnylopez6825]

@all4fitz I have a friend who bought a home near Detroit for 30k last year, yes... Michigan is cheaper but would you want to live there or a paradise 🤔

[@all4fitz]

@@johnnylopez6825 PARADISE! Out of US!

[@osmonddsilva1577]

More expenses to add: 1. Salsa classes 2. Spanish classes 3. Kick boxing/MMA classes 4. Travel in Colombia and S America 5. Eating Organic food/produce 6. Drinking pure/filtered water Thanks

[@osmonddsilva1577]

7. Weekly massage and Facials😀😀😀

[@owendavies8227]

A better word than "maid" is "housekeeper" if she manages the entire household.

[@edgaracevedo9658]

Sounds like a great life you have there. What you spend in a month for whole cost of living I pay for an apartment in NY LOL. I just retired too. If I were younger I would move there.

[@fastfreddie6572]

Bro fellow Californian here. Been following you since the beginning bb videos and push-up challenges. Hope you keep up the grind. See you soon when I’m down. Peace

[@MedellinBuzz]

much love my friend. Yessir, hit me up when you're down here!

[@AKJoel]

Great video, I like all the shots of the area!

[@MedellinBuzz]

Thank you very much!

[@RobertKing2012]

Great breakdown. I've been in Medellin for about 3 months looking to rent long-term in Laureles and I've physically looked at about 13 apartments ALL are for $1,000USD or more and they are not the best places. So let me ask you realistically is it still possible to find a apartment in a good neighborhood for $600 like you have. I've tried the local game but that isn't working because these landlords are listing their properties at nearly US prices. Have I missed the low rents season because I gotta tell you rental prices have truly changed and gone higher. I have several US friends here who are helping me with everything I need so I don't need your mastermind class just wondering if it's still possible to get rents at the prices you have? And do any of your properties go for $600? Thx

[@MedellinBuzz]

You won't find anything good on AirBnB for $600 in areas like Laureles or El Poblado. There are local websites that do furnished apartments where you may find that price. The only way to find those deals are going unfurnished, and through local agencies.

[@danspencer4235]

Furniture is not as expensive as in North America, for instance. You need to find an unfurnished place and furnish it yourself with the HUGE savings of not renting at Gringo Prices. However, Medellin has become a lot more expensive over the last couple of years. If you have the option of another city, then things may not be so pricey.

[@Jsmash_424]

Less than that.

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@danspencer4235 that's true, I'm just waiting for IKEA to open here in Medellin!

[@edr681]

I’d like to know this also. I’m returning to Medellín next month & will eventually want to rent an apartment

[@skyluke4972]

Great content Andrew! I'm a long time visitor to Costa Rica. I was there this April. I ate at restaurants for a day ..my costs were; breakfast $10. USD, lunch $15. USD, dinner $30. USD = $55. USD = $76. Canadian. Yes these were tourist restaurants. What would the MDE costs compare? Cheers

[@MedellinBuzz]

Hi Luke. You can find some restaurants with those prices here, but they'd be the top-notch restaurants in the city. Typically, I spend about half of what you spent here.

[@skyluke4972]

@@MedellinBuzz I normally eat at CR local Sodas...mom/pop small restaurants. I like galleo pinto with hot sauce!! Some of the long time expat visitors/residents talked about leaving CR to MDE for the cheaper COL. CR is very heavily dependent on tourists and has not fully recovered from the pandemic. County nearly went bankrupt.

[@MedellinBuzz]

I see. Yeah, Medellin is not dependent on tourism. Maybe that's why it's still affordable.

[@dosgringoscroata]

Hey - nice video! I live in Bogotá and spend around 800$/month but avoid some things that I don't need like data plan for a month, for example. Do you perhaps know how is the taxation situation for folks with DN visa, I mean actually for folks that stay more than 183 days in Colombia?

[@Venuslovefactor]

Thank you man! I intend to move to Medellin. Retired, I only get $1,029 USD per month. Is it possible?

[@MedellinBuzz]

It is possible. I suggest you come down for a couple of months to check it out.

[@maxmccammond8914]

Wow, great informative video. You have travelled, is it comparable to Mexico or do you like it better?

[@MedellinBuzz]

It's cheaper than Guadalajara (my favorite city). It's smaller than that city, but comparable.

[@ArmyguyTravelsSports]

Love your videos

[@MedellinBuzz]

thank you!

[@Bravo78631]

Living in bogota since December 2008 and prefer having a vehicle to leave tThe city on weekdays to the finca, there’s a war against personal vehicle ownership the government wants everyone on bicycles or public buses lol ,pica placa BS ,vehicle SOAT insurance is cheap but not that good so I pay extra for real coverage $220,000 month on top of soat,vehicle prices expensive along with parts.

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

We are considering Manizales as a possible retirement city. The temps are cooler and we understand it is about 25% less expensive than Medellin. But, we are guessing the health insurance you mentioned is much more expensive when you get to be our age (55 and 61).

[@MedellinBuzz]

Right, I have heard that health insurance gets more expensive the older you are. I've also heard that it's definitely cheaper than in the U.S. I love visiting Manizalez. I've seen some really nice apartments there.

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

@@MedellinBuzz Yes, we will only be going back to the US for an occasional visit. There are just too many great places to retire at a fraction of the cost. We are currently in the mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua and will be here 6 more months. Then off to Xela, Guatemala for 6 months and then 6 months in San Cristobal de las Casas. After that we are debating but likely to Manizales, then Cuenca, then Arequipa, and then Buenas Aires ! Liked your video !

[@AR-vd8xs]

Just join the prepaid healthcare. Later will be impossible.

[@filipslozil7392]

Hello, first of all I'd like say that your videos are interesting, with good advices...👌. I have a question about moving to Medellín with family, with kids. Do you know somebody who did it?? I have to mention that my wife is Colombian, so we might have some advantage. We're currently living in the Czech Republic...We're now considering to make a change, so it's always good to know others experiences. Some information about schools, activities for families etc would be great. Grácias...Filip 🇨🇿🇨🇴🙂

[@BluuSkyz]

I live here now, I’ll be here about a year. Bought myself a motorcycle and I just rent. I need to work but I’m kind of having issues finding something virtually.

[@MedellinBuzz]

What kind of work are you looking for?

[@BluuSkyz]

​@@MedellinBuzz Not really sure what skills I bring to a virtual environment. I worked in engineering/quality the last 9 years. At the moment I'm working on webinars but not sure it's for me just yet.

[@ptm8375]

Its outrageous.. in march i had 1 million pesos for 200 euro. Now 1 million and 100.000 pesos for 265 euro.

[@ruslantraveller7866]

Well 1700 usd isn't that cheap. There are many places in Asia or Southern/Eastern Europe where you would have a better life for this amount.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yeah, I think it’s relative. It depends on what you consider a high quality of life too

[@uekvowzkaebbzuvrgipqxhemmwbhe]

Eastern Europe is depressing and rundown definitely not worth visiting

[@radad12]

Great video. Thnx for the breakdown. Honestly some of the prices are quite high. Utility 125, that’s what I’m paying the usa now, internet 74 that’s high too, $20 a week for haircut, i pay $30 in usa. You said a maid can sue you if you let her go. Why is that?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yeah, it can be a lot cheaper, but I have a dedicated fiber optic line, so that's expensive here. Also, I used to go to the $5 barber when I didn't have much money...but now I really like going to the barbershop that does the whole facemask, massage, and gives me a beer, lol. And yes, maids can sue if you don't offer them severance after letting them go. Domestic employees where always paid under-the-table here, they'd be let go without a dime in severance, not to mention not a dime contributed to social security, so the law has changed to protect them.

[@radad12]

@@MedellinBuzz the breakdown makes more sense now. Thnx

[@radad12]

@@MedellinBuzz I’m not sure how someone can sued you for letting them go. Does that mean everyone who losses their job in Colombia can sued the company. Does this also mean that everyone who is let go or fired gets a package deal after being fired

[@radad12]

@@MedellinBuzz I’m planning to move to colombia in 5-7 years so trying to learn the laws from a local. Thnx again

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@radad12 no this is specifically only for domestic employees with no contract.

[@georgepower7]

Airbnb is ruining Medellin. It’s driving up the prices everywhere. I live Medellin but I live in pereira because the cost of living is a lot lower .

[@user-rw718]

Idk o cant see people paying 3000$ a month for an apartment in Medellin unless its a super jetset penthouse. Maybe im wrong or maybe tourist dont care about over paying double the price

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yeah, there are many $3,000+ apartments here. There's a whole world of people that have that type of money. It's great.

[@metaphysical4u]

I gotta relocate soon. My cable bill alone more than half your rent smh..

[@MedellinBuzz]

😆I feel you. My sister lives in Irvine, and she's working on buying a place and relocating for half the year here.

[@alhaniff1901]

WoW Great Video thanks for the break down🙂

[@MedellinBuzz]

No prob. Thanks!

[@ddaniel987x]

Thing is, an income of 2100 dollars or more is only earned by less than the 15% of the population not only in Medellin, in Colombia in general. The minimum wage in Colombia is 250 USD, therefore this does not make the country have a low cost of living at all, even less in a place like Medellin where prices have skyrocketed. If Colombia was a country with a low cost of living, why there are so many people who even lack of essential things such as clean water? The only advantage for people earning in Dollars, Euros, GBP, Crowns is that our peso is horrendously devaluated and in many cases they dont even have to pay a single income tax cause they wouldn't be working for a local employer (put them to earn a minimum wage here and theyll fly back home in an instant and never ever complain about its issues anymore).

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yep, this video is definitely not for everyone.

[@uekvowzkaebbzuvrgipqxhemmwbhe]

People are poor because they are lazy and dumb. Happens in every country

[@marctradesthemarkets]

Made my first trip to Medellin at the end of July 2023 for four days. Had a great time and enjoyed the area. Thinking about coming back for an extended stay. Thanks for providing great content on a lot of important topics regarding Medellin.

[@MedellinBuzz]

thanks I appreciate it. I'm glad you liked it.

[@johnbuckeye9590]

Yea, trying to rent without airbnb is tough. They make all kinds of excuses not to set up an MLS or unified system. That would work for eveeyone.. Im sure i walk by placee everyday for rent and no one knows.... i guess its part of latin ameeica.

[@djkingroof]

What’s the local bar called that you go to? I’m looking for some good bars outside of Parque Lleras

[@MedellinBuzz]

It's very close to Parque Lleras, Ay Wey

[@skyluke4972]

Thanks for the content....MDE is on my list to visit. As Canadian when you say total monthly budget of $8M pesos what would that look like in paper money? Massive stack

[@MedellinBuzz]

yeah you wouldnt need paper, cards are accepted in most places

[@thesavingtraveler]

Great video. I definitely have something like this on my mind for retirement one of these days or even sooner. Appreciate the great breakdown

[@MedellinBuzz]

No problem. Appreciate the love my friend!

[@TheBryang17]

I stayed there in February on vacation. Just curious - what was the name of the Sports Bar? We ended up at Aywei pretty much every day after we stumbled accross it on the first day.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yep Ay Wey is the bar I go to.

[@TheBryang17]

@@MedellinBuzz I can see why! Great service

[@StreetsFit-sv9mn]

i love medellin, im trying to set up a plan to live there 6 months out of the year so i can alway be in warm weather, would like to know if you have some advice

[@MedellinBuzz]

First and foremost, you should have income. Whether it's a remote job, or working for companies in the US freelance. Second, if you can afford to take the MedellinMasterclass.com you should because that will get you way ahead of the curve on important things like figuring out how to go about getting the right VISA, finding a furnished apartment at a better deal than airbnb, building a community and making friends, buying an apartment, etc. Third, if that's not an option, I'd at least start networking with people on the expat facebook groups.

[@StreetsFit-sv9mn]

@@MedellinBuzz I’ll check the master class out, I’m actually Colombian born in medellin, and have an apartment there and family, It’s just been 15 years since I been back so I’m tryna to do my homework more and find remote jobs for better travel opportunities

[@JohnDoe-fz7hz]

Seems like to cost of living is almost at the same height as in European countries. No surprise when looking at all the luxury bars, restaurants, and clubs. Colombia may have a high amount of poor people but in general, or at least in the cities are a lot of stuffed people.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yeah, Medellin is not for backpackers anymore.

[@haroldrodriquez6916]

I have been there greatcplace and people

[@Mrseriarredondo]

What you pay for your made is the minimum wage to work from Monday to Friday or Saturday depending on the schedule Why does she go only twice a week?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yep, I love her and want to take care of her. She only comes 2 times a week because that's all I need, on top of that she helps take care of her granddaughter.

[@JAYY_JAYY]

Wow I thought it would be somewhat cheaper . I am in California my mortgage is 1450 per month that’s property tax and insurance included. I will be in Medillen in December for 3 weeks What is the sports bar ? Do they play NFL games ?

[@MedellinBuzz]

My apartment rent is $600...my entire life budget per month is about $2,000. It can be cheaper, but I was broke before, I don't want to go back to that life, lol.

[@MedellinBuzz]

The bar is called Ay Guey in el poblado, yes, they do play NFL.

[@CerebralAptitude]

Of all the travels of foreign countries, I bumped into yours and love it thus far. I can not retire early for 4 more years, but after selling my house and 401k maturing, I will have to wait 5 more years for my social security to start ($2,300 monthly), but I am "seriously" concerned living off of $500k USD that I don't burn through most of my money. I am very relieved to know that these costs put a lot of stress off of me.

[@edr681]

I’m all about the early retirement too! Good luck Ronnie.

[@radad12]

I hear you bro! All facts, I’ll be retiring in 5 years still figuring out which place. I’m looking at Haiti, my home. Panama, Belize and colombia.

[@radad12]

I would also love to do Africa but the cost to travel back to USA since I still have family is costly and 15-22 hours of flight too much

[@davidmorand-t9t]

Smaart fit will take money from your credit or debit card automatically even if you don't or cannot use it. Like when I damaged my shoulder in their gym. Smart fit not reccommended by me.

[@mahoganymillworks7156]

I’m not living in Medellin but I’m about to after this video.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Haha, thanks my friend!

[@picudopr]

How do you deal with IRS, while living in Colombia?

[@MedellinBuzz]

If you're a US tax resident, you should still declare taxes in the U.S. A good tax accountant in Colombia will help you get credit for any income tax you pay in the US in your declaration here in Colombia. Regardless, you should consult a good tax attorney.

[@Jordan-rt7qu]

Around how much per month does your agency make? If you don’t mind me asking. And how long did it take to build? Been thinking about getting into it

[@MedellinBuzz]

Took us about 6 years to get to over 6 figures per year.

[@Jordan-rt7qu]

@@MedellinBuzz you’re Bill Gates in Colombia😂

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@Jordan-rt7qu 😂 nah far from it. It just takes unwavering focus over time to win.

[@1desiloader999]

How much would it cost to buy an apartment like yours?

[@MedellinBuzz]

About $70,000 to $80,000 USD.

[@1desiloader999]

@@MedellinBuzz thats in cash i assume for expats. Sounds like a great airbnb investment

[@895juice]

So basically he’s renting through “locals” and air bnbing them for 2k a month?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Exactly, doing everything to escape that shithole matrix everyone's in.

[@895juice]

@@MedellinBuzzI’d like to escape too but I think I’d feel kinda messed for taking away the affordable housing from the people that are from there

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@895juice haha, that’s absolutely not the case in my situation. However I respect your opinion.

[@895juice]

@@MedellinBuzz Could you explain how in a video or something if it’s too much to type out. I’m very curious

[@MedellinBuzz]

Foreigners own about 13% of all the real estate in Colombia. Tourism is what is boosting rental prices in high tourist areas. Rental prices in normal areas have risen according to inflation. For example, rental prices in Belen are still s cheap as they were a couple of years ago. On the contrary, prices in el poblado, particularly near parque llears and provenza have gone up drastically. But if you go find an apartment to rent, as a local through a rental agency, with a Colombian ID, and a cosigner, you'll get cheaper prices...those prices have not gone up drastically. Furthermore, the people that own most of the real estate...87% according to stats, are Colombian, so Colombians are the ones with the crazy airbnb prices. Colombians are the ones increasing the rents in high demand areas, not foreigners. Moreover, I'm not a foreigner, I'm Colombian, and my airbnb business employs a few people including a cleaning lady, admin, accountant, and lawyer all who are locals. @@895juice

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

Private health insurance is very expensive when you reach retirement age.

[@MedellinBuzz]

That's true.

[@stevensheegog3942]

How much higher? I’m 62

[@acaciomadeira5147]

Health insurance there does it have pre existing conditions or just like health care in canada itz government bit everything is included

[@MedellinBuzz]

It's similar to health insurance in the US.

[@yaseenmeyer8452]

It's all fine what you are saying. But the bigger picture is what do the locals earn. And can they afford. It is all nice when you speak about dollars. The locals earn pesos. It's strange when people are always concerned about the nomads .that got dollars euros and pounds. The people of the country suppose to benefit not the tourists.

[@MedellinBuzz]

The Colombia government doesn’t care about its people. Colombia has a big problem with corruption and discipline. A KZbin channel like mine encouraging foreigners to invest in Colombia is probably one of the best things that can be done for the locals.

[@yaseenmeyer8452]

@MedellinBuzz thank you. For your reply. But my concern is the more foreigners. Going to Columbia. Might be good, but it pushes the prices up.

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@yaseenmeyer8452 yes, but not in the entire city. Just in the tourist areas. Furthermore, the owners of the apartments are not foreigners, it’s Colombians. So if Colombians really cared, they would not increase the prices of their apartments.

[@TimothyRyssemusMusic]

Do you prefer living in Medellin over Bogota?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yeah mainly because Medellin has way better weather.

[@katecarter6728]

Hi, what are the rent like for single family home with yard, 3 bedroom?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Hi Kate, first of all you won't find many single family homes with yards in Medellin. The city is pretty dense, and most properties are apartments in buildings. However, if you do find a single family home it probably wont have much of a yard. That being said, the houses I've seen for sale are up in the hills, in las palmas, and go go for about 1 million dollars, here's an example, www.metrocuadrado.com/inmueble/venta-casa-medellin-altos-del-poblado-3-habitaciones-5-banos-4-garajes/16215-M4552483. That being said, I found this house in el poblado for rent, it's about 2,500 UD per month, www.metrocuadrado.com/inmueble/arriendo-casa-medellin-las-lomas-no.2-4-habitaciones-5-banos-4-garajes/687-M3838106.

[@katecarter6728]

@@MedellinBuzz Thank you a lot for replying and giving me those examples :)

[@brp361]

Wait you rent a place for 600 and airbnb it for 2000? Is that legal? Does the landlord know?

[@MedellinBuzz]

No the place I live in is $600 my apartments in the same building, which I own and I’ve completely remodeled go for $2,000+ on airbnb. Regardless, subletting can be legal if you’re not under contract stating that you can’t.

[@Babyblue3333]

You’re a thief!! Renting an apartment for $600, yet renting out for $2000 a month!!!?!?

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@Babyblue3333 lol Dont be a fool, go back an read my G.

[@TonioT38]

@@Babyblue3333 that's very harsh. You will never know what people pay for the homes listed on Airbnb. This man even told you how to get a better deal with locals. A house could be gifted to someone and they put it on Airbnb for 2000 a month. That's crazy

[@CARACAS1]

Tus gastos por agua, electricidad son bien altos. Cuanto pagas en impuestos? Tengo entendido que solo entre 5-10% de la gente ganan $8 millones neto despues de impuestos.

[@RondellKB]

What happened to the Colombia podcast?

[@MedellinBuzz]

It was too much of a production to put on, so we stopped.

[@RondellKB]

@@MedellinBuzz Ah okay. Well it's good to see you're doing well

[@liveourbest2067]

@Medellinbuzz How would you compare Mexico City to Medellin? I love CDMX ...I have lived in Lima Peru for 6 years looking for something new..

[@MedellinBuzz]

Comparing CDMX and Medellin is like apples and oranges. CDMX has over 9 million people and is huge. Medellin only has about 4 million people and is relatively small. I love going to visit CDMX, but I'm not a fan of the weather.

[@johnscott9159]

Looking for health care … can you provide a connection

[@arnovx]

I'm sorry but you talk a lot about some bars and gym expenses.... but if you run a business, you have some quota to pay monthly/quartely to be able to run your business. I dont think the Colombian government does not charge you to run a business... How does it work there ? To me it's like so much more important than the dive bar and gym expenses....

[@MedellinBuzz]

What if I talked about the places to play racing car video games? LOL, we all have stupid vices that make us happy. I wrote a whole blog post on business here in Colombia on my blog: medellinbuzz.com/my-experience-starting-a-business-in-colombia-steps-by-step/

[@sbrown9020]

I see the local route is good for locals

[@MedellinBuzz]

Absolutely, as a foreigner it can be a bit tricky, but you'll find good deals.

[@sbrown9020]

@MedellinBuzz good to know. Planning a trip there sometime soon. Thank you

[@jaymeez]

I see the Santa Cruz shirt. Were you from the Bay Area?

[@MedellinBuzz]

I was born in Colombia, but raised in Orange County. The shirt actually says Sayulita using the Santa Cruz logo. Sayulita is a small surf town in Mexico. I did however live in the bay for 2 years back in 2005.

[@jonathanescalada1584]

Do you pay any income tax to Colombia?

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yes, I am Colombian by birth, and I declare taxes, and I do have to pay some.

[@nelsoncopo7529]

This is a spluging budget. Mobile barbers, maids? Come on bro. It’s not shockingly low. Bit of click bait if u ask me.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Yep, that's the KZbin algorithm for you. It has worked, though...check the view count. That being said, it could be shocking to someone living in a high-priced city who had no idea what Medellin life is like. This video, and perhaps the entire channel, seems not for you. But thanks for the comment.

[@alencelic]

You're spending 10x national minimum wage and calling that shockingly low??? Bruh 😂

[@MedellinBuzz]

Bruh, I make dollars. Don't tell me you're American and you come to Colombia to make pesos.

[@alencelic]

@@MedellinBuzz I'm not American, but it's notorious to call 10x of local salary spending low. It's the same thing if you make 10x average in California which is 400k AFFTER tax, your life would be pretty sweet there too, if not better

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@alencelic yes, my life would be pretty great with what I make per month...in many parts of the world, but this video is for people that live in other countries that want to come down to live in Medellin.

[@JohnLeo-d8x]

Hola hermano esas sifra está muy elevada $2000 dólar es muchos dinero para vivir en colombia ere locar no turistas 😂😂😂

[@MedellinBuzz]

Si yo entiendo que hay mucha gente pobre en Colombia, pero si hay un porcentaje de gente que si puede vivir con esas sifras.

[@sergiochavez3769]

600 rent is high.

[@MedellinBuzz]

It can be if you’re making less money. It’s relative.

[@truebrit3578]

Taxes and tax preparation. Or do you wing it and hope DIAN does not catch up with you?

[@MedellinBuzz]

🤣 never wing it. I’ve got a bookkeeper and an accountant.

[@truebrit3578]

@@MedellinBuzz You can buy any opinion you want, and a lot of the accountants here will tell you a happy story. Rare for them to go and fight your corner at DIAN though.

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@truebrit3578 oh yeah I know. I've gone through 3 of them. The one I have now has been working with me for 6 years, and has done a great job thus far.

[@truebrit3578]

@@MedellinBuzz most Colombian accountants won’t work with Expats - for example there is no concept of deferred income (401ks) in Colombian tax law so they do not know how to handle it for tax reporting. Equally those who,advertise as tax accountants for foreigners many of them have little tax training. Many tend to just take the end results of adjusted income from a foreign tax return and report that as total income and then- and I have seen this several times - take all the deductions that were already included in the foreign calculation for a second time in reporting to the Colombian tax authorities. It is like the expats who,describe themselves as real estate people. They are marketing people, nothing more, nothing less with no meaningful background in real estate.

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@truebrit3578 yeah I wouldn’t be able to handle that. So what’s been your solution?

[@TourCal]

I wish saw you there when I was there

[@MedellinBuzz]

There's always next time my friend. Even though I like to travel this is my permanent home.

[@bikefax8177]

How’s the dating life aside from the working girls. Maybe a new clip on that

[@MedellinBuzz]

The dating life is great. I'm working on that content. I want to make it tasteful. Something that will stand out from some of the douchey stuff out there.

[@carlandrews5810]

You are paying waaay more than me my man. Gringos are driving up prices.

[@MedellinBuzz]

How much do you pay? I pay $1,600,000 pesos here. Been in this apartment for almost 6 years, and rent has only gone up the standard inflation rate every year.

[@luisgomez74]

Are you saying $600 rent is cheap? if you compare that amount to medellin cost of living it's way over everyone's budget. Basically gringos are pricing out the locals and they are not happy about it. Remember the bubble you live in. it's only about 3% of medellin residents.

[@MedellinBuzz]

No it’s not cheap for Colombians. El poblado has never been cheap for locals. But for someone making dollars it can be.

[@gitsome7118]

Well then how can three percent of the population do that to the rental market.

[@MedellinBuzz]

@@gitsome7118 haha, if 3 presidents haven't been able to do that in the 13 years I've been here, I sure can't. My target audience is the small percentage of foreigners that have enough income, and the balls to live in Medellin part-time or full-time.

[@davidmorand-t9t]

Life in Medellin is a lonely existence.

[@MedellinBuzz]

Really? I guess it’s all subjective. Sometimes I pine for loneliness here. lol.

[@ep9203]

Do you speak Spanish?

[@davidmorand-t9t]

@@ep9203 my spanish is very good