[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Medellín vs Makati. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link MedellínColombia3 VS MakatiPhilippines2 $1,305Medellín monthly budget $1,280Makati monthly budget 180 MbpsMedellín internet 125 MbpsMakati internet Decision summary Medellín Medellín leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Makati Speed Fastest internet Medellín Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Makati Air Cleanest air Medellín Walk Most walkable Medellín Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Medellín](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/colombia/medellin.md) Colombia 3/6 Budget$1,305 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 2/6 Budget$1,280 Internet125 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 Total estimated budget $1,305 $1,280 1-bed center rent $750 $720 Coworking desk $180 $190 Local meal $5.5 $4.3 Cappuccino $2.4 $3.5 Gym membership $35 $48 Transport budget $45 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 180 Mbps 125 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 48/100 61/100 Air quality 60/100 48/100 Walkability 7/10 6/10 Female safety 5/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Basic Excellent Climate type Subtropical highland Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Dec - Mar Nov - Feb 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. [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 [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent English proficiency and easy daily communication * Strong café, coworking, and corporate-business ecosystem * High-quality private hospitals and specialist care nearby * Wide choice of condos, malls, restaurants, and delivery services * Cashless payments and ride-hailing are widely available * Large international and Filipino social scene ### Trade-offs * Severe road traffic can make short trips slow * Central neighborhoods have relatively high rents * Heat, humidity, and monsoon downpours are persistent * Air quality is often poor beside major roads * Sidewalks can be uneven, blocked, or limited * Tap water is not recommended for drinking ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry or visitor visa extension * Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension * Special Resident Retiree's Visa 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.