Medellín vs Oaxaca for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Medellín Antioquia | Oaxaca Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $500 | $400Better |
| Median home price | — | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 19% | 16%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $55 | $45Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $175 | $160Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 72 / 100Better | 70 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 35 | 32Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
More to invest
Oaxaca stretches your retirement savings ~9% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
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Home & Auto Insurance
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Medellín or Oaxaca?
Medellín and Oaxaca are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Medellín or Oaxaca?
Neither Medellín nor Oaxaca has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Medellín vs Oaxaca?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $175 in Medellín and $160 in Oaxaca. That's a difference of ~$15/month, or ~$180/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Medellín on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Medellín, rent alone would consume approximately 12% of your budget (1BR rent ~$500/mo) and healthcare another ~4%. That leaves roughly 84% (~$3,500/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Medellín has a higher walk score (72 vs 70 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Medellín offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Medellín has the same purchasing power as $46K/year in Oaxaca
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026