Side-by-side city decision # Gili Air vs Medellín. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Gili AirIndonesia4/6 VS MedellínColombia1/6 $1,095Gili Air monthly budget $1,305Medellín monthly budget 35 MbpsGili Air internet 180 MbpsMedellín internet Decision summary Gili Air Gili Air leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Gili Air Speed Fastest internet Medellín Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Gili Air Air Cleanest air Gili Air Walk Most walkable Gili Air Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Gili Air](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/gili-air.md) Indonesia 4/6 Budget$1,095 Internet35 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Medellín](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/colombia/medellin.md) Colombia 1/6 Budget$1,305 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricGili AirMedellín Total estimated budget $1,095 $1,305 1-bed center rent $600 $750 Coworking desk $120 $180 Local meal $3.2 $5.5 Cappuccino $2.6 $2.4 Gym membership $45 $35 Transport budget $35 $45 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricGili AirMedellín Internet speed 35 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricGili AirMedellín Safety index 78/100 48/100 Air quality 86/100 60/100 Walkability 8/10 7/10 Female safety 7/10 5/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricGili AirMedellín Healthcare quality Average Good English proficiency Good Basic Climate type Tropical monsoon Subtropical highland Best time to visit May - Oct Dec - Mar Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Gili Air](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/indonesia/gili-air.md) Indonesia → ### Strengths * Car-free island with a relaxed, walkable pace * Excellent snorkeling and easy access to reefs * Lower-cost living than much of Bali * Friendly international traveler and dive community * Beautiful beaches and frequent sunset views * Generally clean air and low urban noise ### Trade-offs * Internet can be inconsistent during storms or peak periods * No major hospital or advanced medical facilities on the island * Limited coworking spaces and professional infrastructure * Cash is still important at many local businesses * Freshwater is scarce and tap water is not drinkable * Boat transfers can be disrupted by rough seas ### Common visa routes * Visa on Arrival / e-VOA, typically 30 days plus one 30-day extension * B211A visit visa, commonly issued for 60 days and extendable * Indonesia E33G remote worker visa, subject to current eligibility requirements [Medellín](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/colombia/medellin.md) Colombia → ### Strengths * Spring-like temperatures throughout the year * Strong café, coworking, and remote-worker scene * Affordable compared with major North American cities * Modern metro, cable cars, and broad ride-hailing coverage * Excellent access to nature and weekend trips * Quality private healthcare at comparatively reasonable prices ### Trade-offs * Petty theft and robbery require active street awareness * Rents in popular expat districts have risen sharply * Traffic and air pollution can be significant in the valley * Spanish is essential for many daily tasks * Rain showers are frequent, especially in wetter months * Short-term rentals can have strict guest and building rules ### Common visa routes * Visa-free visitor entry for eligible nationalities, generally up to 90 days and extendable to 180 days per calendar year * Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V), generally available for remote workers with qualifying foreign income * Migrant Visa options for investors, spouses, workers, or longer-term residents Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.