Cost of Living Comparison

Bali vs Medellín

Bali is 12% more affordable
🌍
Bali

Indonesia Asia

$2,150/mo

Standard lifestyle City center

Housing
$1,500/mo
Food
$450/mo
Transport
$50/mo
Coworking
$150/mo
63
Nomad score
75
Safety
80
Mbps
Nomad visa
Full guide for Bali ->
VS
12%
difference
🌍
Medellín

Colombia South America

$2,430/mo

Standard lifestyle City center

Housing
$1,800/mo
Food
$450/mo
Transport
$30/mo
Coworking
$150/mo
64
Nomad score
60
Safety
100
Mbps
Nomad visa
Full guide for Medellín ->

Bali vs Medellín: the verdict

Bali works out about 12% cheaper than Medellín for a standard lifestyle -- roughly $280 less every month, driven mainly by rent. Medellín still comes out ahead on internet speed and healthcare, so the cheaper city is not automatically the better fit.

Head-to-head breakdown

CategoryBaliMedellínWinner
Monthly cost (standard) $2,150 $2,430 Bali
Rent, city centre $1,500 $1,800 Bali
Food (standard) $450 $450 Tie
Public transport $50 $30 Medellín
Coworking $150 $150 Tie
Safety index 75/100 60/100 Bali
Internet speed 80 Mbps 100 Mbps Medellín
Healthcare 65/100 75/100 Medellín
English proficiency 60/100 55/100 Bali
Nomad visa Yes Yes Tie

Monthly budget: lean to premium

Bali
$1,100 budget to $3,200 premium
Medellín
$1,410 budget to $3,330 premium

Which should you choose?

On a tight budget
Bali
Lowest monthly total, 12% less.
Digital nomads
Medellín
Higher nomad score and WiFi, plus a nomad visa.
Families
Bali
Stronger safety and healthcare.
Long-term expats
Bali
Better English and day-to-day ease.

Bali vs Medellín: FAQ

Is Bali cheaper than Medellín?

Bali is cheaper: a standard month costs about $2,150 there versus $2,430 in Medellín, a 12% difference.

How much does it cost to live in Bali vs Medellín?

Budget to premium, expect about $1,100-$3,200/month in Bali and $1,410-$3,330/month in Medellín, covering rent, food, transport and coworking.

Which is safer, Bali or Medellín?

Bali scores higher on safety (75/100 vs 60/100).

Does Bali or Medellín have a digital nomad visa?

Both do. Bali offers the Indonesia Remote Worker Visa; Medellín offers the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa.

Which is better for digital nomads, Bali or Medellín?

Medellín rates better for remote work overall (nomad score 64/100, 100 Mbps) and it has a digital nomad visa.

Want a deeper comparison?

Use the full calculator -- add your income, choose your lifestyle and see purchasing power side by side.