Asunción vs Medellín
Compare Asunción and Medellín for digital nomads. Detailed breakdown of costs, taxes, safety, and lifestyle. Paraguay's 0% tax vs Colombia's vibrant expat scene.
Two of South America's most popular destinations for digital nomads couldn't be more different. Medellín offers perfect weather and a massive expat community, while Asunción provides unbeatable tax advantages and authentic Latin American immersion. This guide helps you decide which city fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
The Verdict
Both cities excel in different areas. Asunción wins on taxes and cost of living, while Medellín wins on weather, community, and infrastructure.
Asunción is best for:
- ✓Tax optimization
- ✓Budget-conscious nomads
- ✓Spanish immersion
- ✓Authentic local experience
- ✓Long-term residency
Medellín is best for:
- ✓Social butterflies
- ✓Weather-seekers
- ✓Startup founders
- ✓Active nightlife
- ✓Short-term stays
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Asunción | Medellín | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $450 | $600 | 25% |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | $800 | $1,200 | 33% |
| Utilities | $80 | $60 | 25% |
| Internet | $35 | $30 | 14% |
| Groceries | $250 | $280 | 11% |
| Dining Out | $150 | $200 | 25% |
| Transport | $100 | $80 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $80 | 20% |
| Entertainment | $100 | $150 | 33% |
| Total Monthly | $1,265 | $1,680 | 25% |
* Costs are estimates based on a comfortable lifestyle in good neighborhoods. Actual costs vary based on lifestyle choices.
Detailed Comparison
💰Cost of Living
Asunción winsAsunción is approximately 25-30% cheaper than Medellín across most categories. Rent in particular is significantly lower in Paraguay, with nice apartments in premium neighborhoods like Villa Morra costing what you'd pay for mid-tier areas in Medellín.
📊Taxes
Asunción winsThis is where Asunción truly shines. Paraguay's territorial tax system means 0% tax on foreign-sourced income. Colombia taxes worldwide income at rates up to 35% for tax residents. For remote workers earning $100K+, this can mean $20-30K annual savings.
🛡️Safety
Asunción winsWhile both cities have safe and unsafe areas, Asunción generally has lower crime rates. Medellín has improved dramatically but still requires more vigilance, especially regarding petty theft and occasional violent crime in certain neighborhoods.
☀️Climate
Medellín winsMedellín's "City of Eternal Spring" nickname is well-earned, with consistent 70-80°F (21-27°C) temperatures year-round. Asunción has hot, humid summers (95°F+) and mild winters, which many find less comfortable.
🏥Healthcare
TieBoth cities offer quality private healthcare at reasonable prices. Medellín is known for medical tourism, while Asunción has excellent hospitals like Hospital Italiano and Sanatorio Migone.
📶Internet & Infrastructure
TieBoth cities offer fiber internet with speeds of 100-300 Mbps. Medellín has slightly more coworking spaces, but Asunción's options are growing rapidly.
👥Expat Community
Medellín winsMedellín has a much larger, more established expat community with regular meetups, coworking spaces, and social events. Asunción's community is smaller but tight-knit and growing.
📋Visa & Residency
Asunción winsParaguay offers one of the easiest residency paths in the world - no income requirements, simple documentation, and permanent residency available in 3 years. Colombia's visa system is more complex and often requires proof of significant income.
Pros & Cons
Asunción, Paraguay
Highlights
- +0% tax on foreign income (territorial taxation)
- +Very low cost of living
- +Easy residency process (no income requirements)
- +Growing expat community
- +Authentic Latin American culture
- +Safe neighborhoods
- +Good private healthcare
- +Fast fiber internet available
Drawbacks
- -Limited international flights
- -Spanish language barrier
- -Hot and humid summers
- -Smaller city feel
- -Less developed infrastructure
- -Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
Medellín, Colombia
Highlights
- +Perfect spring-like weather year-round
- +Large established expat community
- +Excellent public transportation (metro)
- +Vibrant nightlife and culture
- +Many direct international flights
- +Growing tech and startup scene
- +Beautiful surrounding nature
- +Good English spoken in expat areas
Drawbacks
- -35% income tax for residents
- -Increasingly expensive (gentrification)
- -Over-tourism in some areas
- -Safety concerns in certain neighborhoods
- -Complex visa requirements
- -Currency volatility
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asunción or Medellín cheaper for digital nomads?
Asunción is approximately 25-30% cheaper than Medellín overall. A comfortable lifestyle in Asunción costs $1,200-1,500/month, while the same in Medellín costs $1,600-2,000/month. The biggest savings are in rent and dining.
Which city has better weather?
Medellín has objectively better weather with spring-like temperatures (70-80°F) year-round. Asunción has hot, humid summers reaching 95°F+ and mild winters around 50-70°F.
Can I pay 0% tax in both countries?
No. Paraguay has territorial taxation (0% on foreign income), while Colombia taxes worldwide income at rates up to 35% for tax residents. This is often the deciding factor for high-earning remote workers.
Which city is safer?
Asunción generally has lower crime rates. Both cities have safe neighborhoods, but Medellín requires more vigilance regarding petty theft and occasional violent crime.
Is it easier to get residency in Paraguay or Colombia?
Paraguay has much easier residency requirements - no income proof needed, simple process, and permanent residency available in 3 years. Colombia requires proof of income ($3K+/month) or other qualifying criteria.
Ready to Move to Asunción?
Explore our comprehensive guides to living in Paraguay