Is 1000 Enough to Spend in Medellin, Colombia for 23 Days Without Housing?

Traveling to a new city, especially in a foreign country, can be both exciting and challenging. Medellin, Colombia, is a vibrant city with a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving local cuisine. However, one of the common questions travelers often ask is: Is 1000 dollars enough to spend for 23 days in Medellin, without including housing expenses?

Transportation

Medellin is a city that offers a variety of transportation options, from taxis to public buses and even motorcycles. Taxis are ubiquitous in Medellin and typically cost around 3 Colombian pesos, though there are additional fees when taken straight from the airport. Furthermore, Medellin has a comprehensive public transportation system composed of large metro buses, smaller buses, and even vans and motorcycles (known as 'combis'). These alternatives to taxis are generally much cheaper, costing only around 1 to 2 Colombian pesos.

For those who prefer a more modern ride, Uber is also available in Medellin, as well as other ride-sharing services. These often come at a reasonable cost, similar to or slightly higher than local buses.

Public transportation in Medellin is not only affordable but also very convenient. Users can hop on and off public buses at any bus stop, making it easy to explore various parts of the city.

Accommodation

While the transportation costs make 1000 dollars stretch quite far, the local accommodation scene in Medellin is also budget-friendly. Depending on where you choose to stay, a comfortable hotel or guesthouse can often be found for less than 100 dollars per night, with hostels offering dormitory and private room options as low as 10 dollars per night.

Food and Dining

Food in Medellin is generally inexpensive and easy to find. The local cuisine is diverse and delicious, ranging from humble street food to more upscale dining. A complete meal at a local restaurant is typically between 2 to 5 Colombian pesos, making it possible to enjoy a decent meal for around 10 dollars if you eat every day.

Even the most expensive restaurants, often franchises such as McDonald's, Subway, Domino's, or local chain Qbano, are still quite affordable. If you choose to grocery shop and cook your own meals, you can easily stock up on groceries each week for under 50 dollars per person.

The cost of dining out often goes up when you opt for local specialties and more premium establishments. However, for those who are willing to venture out, Medellin's culinary scene offers a variety of budget-friendly options.

Utilities and Other Expenses

Expenses like utilities (electricity, gas, water, and internet) are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the costs in the United States. My family of two, who live about an hour south of Cali, manage to keep our monthly utility costs under 40 Colombian pesos, which is more than half of our total monthly expenses.

Transportation and food costs add another 250 to 300 dollars per month, which includes occasional small treats. Our primary expenses are on the basic necessities like flour, rice, seafood, and spices, which we frequently purchase in local markets within a few miles from our home.

All in all, living in Medellin without housing for 23 days on 1000 dollars is certainly achievable. In fact, with careful planning and a bit of research, it is possible to live quite comfortably in Medellin with this budget.

We hope you enjoy your trip to Medellin and take advantage of all the city has to offer within your budget. Happy travels!