Furnished costs 40–80% more than unfurnished in Medellín. That premium is worth it for short stays and not worth it for long ones. Here's the math and the specific break-even points for 2026.
The Simple Price Difference
Rough 2026 numbers for a comparable 1BR apartment in Laureles:
- Furnished short-term (1–6 months): $900–$1,500/mo, utilities and WiFi included.
- Unfurnished long-term (12+ month lease): $450–$800/mo base rent, plus $80–150 admin and $60–120 utilities/WiFi. Total all-in: $600–$1,050/mo.
So unfurnished saves roughly 30–45% monthly, but requires a 12-month commitment and up-front furnishing costs.
Up-Front Costs of Going Unfurnished
- Furniture minimum: $1,500–$3,000 to furnish a 1BR comfortably (used market via Facebook Marketplace: $800–$1,500).
- Deposit: Typically 1–2 months rent.
- Codeudor (co-signer) or fianza: Requires either a Colombian co-signer or an insurance product (afianzadora) at roughly 3–5% of annual rent.
- Utility deposits: Small but real.
The Break-Even Math
Take a $1,200/mo furnished apartment versus a $750/mo unfurnished equivalent ($900 all-in with utilities).
- Monthly savings from unfurnished: $300/mo.
- Up-front furnishing + deposit premium: ~$2,500.
- Break-even point: roughly 8–9 months.
So if you're staying less than 8 months, furnished generally wins on pure cost. Over 12 months, unfurnished is clearly cheaper. Over 24 months, the savings become significant.
When Furnished Always Makes Sense
- Stays under 6 months.
- First-time in Medellín — you don't yet know what you want long-term.
- No Colombian cédula or co-signer.
- You value flexibility more than cost savings.
When Unfurnished Wins
- Stays 12+ months with high confidence.
- You have a Colombian cédula (digital nomad visa or similar).
- You enjoy building out a space and making it yours.
- You have a Colombian partner or close friend who can co-sign.
The Hybrid Option: Semi-Furnished
Some landlords offer semi-furnished deals — the big stuff (bed, sofa, fridge, stove, basic kitchen) included, but not the full nomad package (no WiFi, no towels, no smaller appliances). Prices land roughly 10–20% above unfurnished. Often the sweet spot for stays of 6–12 months.
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