Why Americans Are Leaving the US and Moving to Colombia

Something is happening that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. Americans — not just retirees, not just digital nomads, but regular working people — are packing up and leaving the United States for Colombia. And the numbers are accelerating.

It's not one thing driving the exodus. It's everything at once: the cost of living crisis that has made middle-class life in American cities feel like a financial treadmill, a healthcare system that bankrupts people for getting sick, political polarization that makes half the country feel unwelcome no matter who wins, and the quiet realization — accelerated by remote work — that you don't have to live in a place just because you were born there.

Colombia, for a growing number of Americans, isn't just an escape. It's an upgrade. And if you're reading this, you're probably wondering whether it could be one for you too.

This guide covers everything: why people are leaving, why they're choosing Colombia specifically, how to prepare, what to expect, and the honest pros and cons that nobody puts in the brochure. Whether you're seriously planning a move or just exploring the idea, this is the most complete breakdown you'll find.

Why Americans Are Leaving the United States

The reasons Americans give for leaving aren't fringe anymore — they're mainstream. Here's what's pushing people out:

The Cost of Living Has Become Unsustainable

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a US city is now over $1,700/month. In cities like New York, San Francisco, or Miami, you're looking at $2,500–$4,000+. Add health insurance ($400–$800/month for an individual), groceries that have inflated 25%+ since 2020, childcare at $1,500+/month, and student loan payments — and you realize that a $75,000 salary doesn't go nearly as far as it used to.

For many Americans, the math just stopped working. They're not broke — they're exhausted by how hard they have to work just to stay in place.

Healthcare Is a Breaking Point

This is the one that surprises no American but shocks everyone else. A single emergency room visit can cost $3,000–$10,000. An ambulance ride is $1,000+. A routine surgery with insurance can still leave you with a $5,000 bill. People are rationing insulin, skipping dental work, and avoiding the doctor entirely because they can't afford to be sick.

In Colombia, a doctor's visit costs $5–$20. A specialist consultation is $15–$50. Full private health insurance (prepagada) that covers virtually everything runs $50–$200/month depending on age. Americans who move to Colombia often say healthcare alone justified the decision.

Political Exhaustion Is Real

Regardless of where you sit politically, a growing number of Americans describe a feeling of being trapped in a country that feels increasingly hostile. The 2024 election cycle — and its aftermath — pushed more people to seriously research exit strategies than any event in recent memory. "Americans moving abroad" searches on Google hit record highs in late 2024 and haven't come back down.

Remote Work Changed Everything

Before 2020, moving abroad meant quitting your job. Now, millions of Americans work remotely and realized: if I can do this job from my apartment in Austin, I can do it from an apartment in Medellín that costs a third of the price. Colombia's time zones (EST and CST) align perfectly with US business hours — no 3 AM calls, no schedule gymnastics.

Why Colombia? (And Not Mexico, Portugal, or Thailand)

Americans choosing Colombia over other popular destinations cite a specific combination of factors that's hard to find anywhere else:

Mexico is closer and doesn't require a visa, but safety concerns in many areas, unreliable infrastructure outside tourist zones, and increasingly crowded expat hotspots have pushed many Americans to look further south. Portugal is beautiful but expensive (and getting more so), with a 6-hour time difference that kills remote work for US teams. Thailand is cheap but 12+ hours away with brutal time zone math.

Colombia hits a sweet spot that's genuinely unique: affordable, safe (in the right areas), culturally rich, close to the US, and on the same clock.

How to Prepare for the Move: A Step-by-Step Plan

Moving to Colombia isn't something you do on impulse. The Americans who thrive here are the ones who prepared. Here's how:

1. Sort Your Visa

Your first decision is which visa to pursue. The most common options for Americans:

• Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers earning ~$1,400+/month from outside Colombia. Valid 2 years. Our complete Digital Nomad Visa guide walks you through every step.
• Tourist status — 90 days, extendable to 180 days/year. Fine for testing the waters, but you can't open a bank account or sign a long-term lease.
• M-Type Visa (Investment/Business) — if you're buying property or starting a business. See our full visa guide.
• R-Type Resident Visa — for marriage, parentage, or after holding another visa for 5+ years.

2. Set Up Your Financial Pipeline

You need a way to get dollars into Colombia and convert them efficiently. The wrong method can cost you hundreds per month in fees and bad exchange rates.

• Use Kraken to buy stablecoins (USDC/USDT) and sell them for pesos at near-market rates — this is how most savvy expats do it
• Use ARQ Finance for spending globally with no hidden fees and solid exchange rates
• Use Remitly for quick bank-to-bank transfers when you need pesos fast
• Keep a US bank account active — you'll need it for taxes, subscriptions, and receiving payments

Read our complete guide to converting USD to pesos for the full breakdown of every method.

3. Get Health Insurance Sorted Before You Arrive

Don't fly without coverage. SafetyWing is what most digital nomads and new expats use — it's international health insurance starting around $45/month that covers Colombia and worldwide travel. It's required for the Digital Nomad Visa application, and it gives you peace of mind while you figure out Colombia's local health system (EPS or prepagada).

4. Get Connected Before You Land

Grab a Saily eSIM before your flight. It's built by the team behind NordVPN, Colombia plans start at ~$4, and you'll have data the moment you touch down — no hunting for a SIM card store at the airport. Set it up on your phone in 5 minutes before departure. Read our full Internet & SIM card guide for the complete connectivity setup.

5. Secure Housing (But Don't Sign a Long-Term Lease Remotely)

Book an Airbnb or furnished apartment for your first month. Do not sign a long-term lease from abroad. You need to walk the neighborhoods, feel the vibe, test the internet, and understand what you actually want. El Poblado in Medellín is where most Americans start, but Laureles and Envigado offer better value. See our neighborhood guide and guide to avoiding gringo pricing.

6. Protect Your Privacy

A VPN is non-negotiable for expats. You'll need it to access US banking sites, streaming services, and to secure your connection on public WiFi. NordVPN works reliably in Colombia and runs about $3–4/month on annual plans.

The Honest Pros and Cons of Moving to Colombia

No sugarcoating. Here's what's genuinely great and what's genuinely hard:

The pros are real and significant. The cons are manageable — but only if you go in with your eyes open. The Americans who struggle in Colombia are the ones who expected paradise without friction. The ones who thrive are the ones who expected challenges and prepared for them.

What It Actually Costs: Real Monthly Budget in Colombia

That's not a typo. You can realistically save $2,000–$3,000 per month by living in Medellín instead of a comparable US city — while arguably having a better quality of life. For a deep dive into every line item, read our Medellín cost of living breakdown.

What to Look For (And Common Mistakes to Avoid)

The Americans who successfully build a life here share common traits and decisions. Here's what to get right:

• Do a scouting trip first. Come for 2–4 weeks before committing. Stay in different neighborhoods. Talk to expats who've been here 2+ years, not 2 months.
• Learn Spanish before you arrive. Even basic conversational Spanish transforms your experience. Colombians are incredibly patient with learners, but relying on Google Translate for everything gets old fast.
• Don't bring your entire life. Ship less than you think. Most things are cheaper to buy here. Read our packing list for Colombia.
• Understand the tax situation. Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. If you spend 183+ days in Colombia, you may also become a Colombian tax resident. Get a cross-border tax advisor. See our Colombia tax residency guide.
• Don't live in the expat bubble. El Poblado is comfortable, but it's not Colombia. Get out of the gringo zone. Explore Laureles, Envigado, Sabaneta. Eat where Colombians eat. Make Colombian friends.
• Have 6 months of expenses saved. Things take longer than planned. Visa delays, apartment hunting, unexpected costs. Don't arrive with just enough.

Essential Tools for Americans Moving to Colombia

Join the Conversation

We Want to Hear Your Story

This post was written for the thousands of Americans researching this exact decision right now. But the most valuable insights don't come from us — they come from you.

And if this post helped you — share it. Send it to that friend who keeps talking about leaving. Post it in your remote work Slack channel. Share it on Facebook. The more people see this, the more experiences we collect in the comments, and the more valuable this becomes for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colombia safe for Americans?

Yes — with normal precautions. Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena are the most popular expat cities and are generally safe. Petty theft (phone snatching, pickpocketing) is the main risk. Avoid flashing expensive items, use Uber/InDrive instead of street taxis at night, and stay aware of your surroundings. Colombia is dramatically safer than its 1990s reputation suggests. Read our Medellín safety guide for the full picture.

Do I still pay US taxes if I live in Colombia?

Yes. The US is one of only two countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. You must file every year. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can exclude up to ~$126,500 of foreign-earned income. If you spend 183+ days in Colombia, you may also become a Colombian tax resident. Get professional advice — this is not DIY territory.

How much money do I need to move to Colombia?

We recommend arriving with at least $5,000–$10,000 in savings beyond your first month's expenses. Your ongoing budget depends on lifestyle: $1,500/month is comfortable in Medellín, $2,500/month is very comfortable, and $3,500+ is luxurious. See our complete cost breakdown.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can survive without it, but you won't thrive. English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas and the expat bubble. Basic Spanish transforms your daily life — from negotiating rent to making Colombian friends to handling bureaucracy. Start learning before you arrive.

Considering other destinations? See how Colombia vs Costa Rica.

What's the best city in Colombia for Americans?

Medellín is the most popular by far — perfect weather, largest expat community, excellent infrastructure, and affordable. Bogotá suits urban professionals who want a big-city experience. Cartagena is for those who prioritize beach and lifestyle. See our city ranking for expats.