Bali vs Medellín: Which is better for digital nomads?
Bali (Indonesia) and Medellín (Colombia) are both popular destinations for digital nomads. Bali is the more affordable option at $1,100/month compared to $1,200/month for Medellín. Bali scores 9/10 on our nomad index while Medellín scores 8/10. For internet, Bali gets 7/10 and Medellín gets 7/10. Safety-wise, Bali scores 8/10 vs Medellín's 5/10.
Cost breakdown: Bali vs Medellín
Monthly costs compared side-by-side
Bali
$500
Medellín
$600
Bali
$250
Medellín
$250
Bali
$70
Medellín
$60
Bali
$100
Medellín
$100
Bali
$120
Medellín
$130
Bali
$60
Medellín
$60
Bali
$1,100Medellín
$1,200Quality of life scores
How Bali and Medellín compare on key nomad metrics
Real apartments: Bali vs Medellín
Actual Airbnb listings you can book right now
Bali — from $500/mo
1BR Villa with Pool Bar & Rice Paddy View
$1,800/moVilla · Canggu
Private one-bedroom villa with pool, pool bar, and stunning rice paddy views. The quintessential Bali nomad living experience.
View on Airbnb
Fancy Bamboo Style Villa – Monthly Only
$900/moVilla · Canggu
Unique bamboo-style villa with open-air living, private pool, and lush tropical surroundings. Monthly rentals only. An iconic Bali stay.
View on AirbnbMedellín — from $600/mo
Energy Living Apartment – El Poblado
$650/mo1-Bedroom Apartment · El Poblado
Modern apartment in the Energy Living building with pool, gym, and coworking lounge. Walking distance to Parque Lleras and restaurants.
View on Airbnb
Apartment in Manila, Poblado with AC
$480/moStudio · El Poblado
Well-furnished studio with AC in a residential area of Poblado. Fast WiFi, quiet street, and close to metro and restaurants.
View on AirbnbWhere to eat: Bali vs Medellín
Real restaurants and typical meal prices
Bali — avg $250/mo on food
Warung Local
$2Balinese · Nasi campur (mixed rice plate)
Shady Shack
$7Healthy / Vegan · Buddha bowl with tempeh
Old Man's
$8Western / Bar Food · Fish tacos with beer
Medellín — avg $250/mo on food
Mondongo's
$5Traditional Colombian · Bandeja paisa (traditional platter)
Pergamino Café
$4Specialty Coffee · Single-origin pour-over with pastry
El Rancherito
$2Colombian Street Food · Arepa con queso + fresh juice
Coworking: Bali vs Medellín
Best coworking spaces and monthly prices
Bali — avg $100/mo
Tropical Nomad
$95/moDay pass: $12
Rice paddy views from an air-conditioned workspace. 24/7 access, meeting rooms, Skype booths, and regular nomad talks and events. A Canggu favorite.
Scenic, modern, event-focused
Dojo Bali
$80/moDay pass: $15
Canggu's first coworking space, steps from Echo Beach. Two-story villa with pool view, private Skype booths, Nalu Bowls café, and coliving down the road.
Iconic, community-driven, tropical
Medellín — avg $100/mo
Selina Medellín
$150/moDay pass: $18
Global coliving-coworking brand with El Poblado and Laureles locations. Community events, skill-sharing workshops, social bar, and seamless work-life integration.
Social, international, lively
Tinkko
$51/moDay pass: $8
Affordable professional coworking with multiple locations across Medellín. Flex desk from $51/mo, modern design, reliable internet. Use any location with one membership.
Flexible, affordable, multi-location
Best neighborhoods
Where nomads actually live in each city
Bali neighborhoods →
The nomad capital of Bali — surf, cafés, and beach clubs
Spiritual heart of Bali with rice terraces and yoga studios
Upscale beach area with boutique hotels and fine dining
Medellín neighborhoods →
Upscale neighborhood popular with expats and nomads
Local middle-class neighborhood with authentic Colombian life
Quiet suburban town adjacent to Medellín with local charm
Visa comparison
Entry requirements for remote workers
Bali, Indonesia
30-day visa-free, extendable once. The B211A visa allows 60-day stays (extendable to 180 days). Indonesia also offers a 5-year Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning $2,000+/mo.
Medellín, Colombia
90-day visa-free for most nationalities (extendable to 180 days). Colombia offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning 3x minimum wage (~$3,000/mo).
Bali vs Medellín — FAQ
Common questions about choosing between Bali and Medellín
Bali is 8% cheaper overall. The minimum monthly budget in Bali is $1100/month vs $1200/month in Medellín. That's a difference of $100/month or $1200/year.
FAQ: Bali vs Medellín for Digital Nomads
Is Bali or Medellín cheaper for digital nomads?
Bali is 8% cheaper overall. The minimum monthly budget in Bali is $1100/month vs $1200/month in Medellín. That's a difference of $100/month or $1200/year.
Which city has better internet — Bali or Medellín?
Bali has better internet with a score of 7/10 vs 7/10. Both cities have reliable WiFi in coworking spaces and most apartments.
Is Bali or Medellín safer?
Bali scores higher for safety (8/10 vs 5/10). Both are popular nomad destinations with established expat communities.
Where is housing cheaper — Bali or Medellín?
Housing is cheaper in Bali ($500/month vs $600/month). This covers a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood.
Which has better coworking — Bali or Medellín?
Both cities have good coworking options. Bali averages $100/month for a coworking membership, while Medellín averages $100/month. Top spaces in Bali include Tropical Nomad. In Medellín, check out Selina Medellín.
More comparisons
Compare other popular nomad city pairs