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Living in Mexico vs Colombia — both offer culture, adventure, and a more affordable life. But which one actually matches your vibe and freedom goals? Let’s cut through the hype and break down what life in each really feels like.
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When comparing living in Mexico vs Colombia, there are plenty of factors to consider, from climate to culture. If you’re drawn to beaches and tropical weather, Mexico might be the perfect choice.
However, Colombia offers a diverse landscape, including both tropical regions and stunning beaches, making it an ideal destination for those seeking variety. Cost of living, infrastructure, and cultural norms also differ.
In Colombia, it’s common to greet others with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, while in Mexico, a handshake is more typical. Food is another major distinction—Mexican cuisine is known for its spiciness, whereas Colombian dishes are typically milder.
These are just a few of the many differences between living in Mexico vs Colombia. Let’s dive deeper into what each country has to offer, helping you decide which one suits your lifestyle best!
Table of Contents
Mexico vs Colombia: Size, Geography & Population
Colombia is the 26th largest country in the world, while Mexico is the 14th largest. In terms of land area, Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is approximately three-quarters larger in size than Colombia (1,141,749 km²).
However, when it comes to population, Mexico has over double the number of people as Colombia. Nonetheless, both countries are major players in Latin America and have rich histories and cultures.
For instance, both countries have vibrant music scenes and are renowned for their delicious food. While Colombia and Mexico may differ in size, they are both fascinating places to live.
Economy Comparison: Is Mexico or Colombia Wealthier?
Mexico is the richer country overall, even though both countries are considered developing, they have vastly different economies.
Mexico has a GDP of $1.85 trillion, while Colombia’s GDP is $418 million. This means that Mexico’s economy is more than four times the size of Colombia’s.
It’s important to note that the population of Mexico is also much larger than the population of Colombia. As a result, when considering GDP per capita, Mexico has a higher GDP than Colombia. This difference can largely be attributed to the fact that Mexico relies heavily on oil exports, while Colombia’s economy is more diversified.
Cost of Living: Is Mexico or Colombia Cheaper for Expats?
When comparing the cost of living in Mexico and Colombia, it’s important to keep the factors below in mind.
Cost of living: Mexico vs Colombia via Numbeo
As you can see, overall, the cost of living in Mexico is higher than the cost of living in Colombia. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, depending on where and how you decide to live will have a direct impact on your cost of living.
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tells a story.
Residency Options: How to Become a Resident in Each Country
If you’re considering making a move to either Colombia or Mexico, you’ll be pleased to know that both countries offer a fairly straightforward process for residency.
In Colombia, you can apply for a permanent residence visa if you can prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself. You’ll also need to show that you have no criminal history and that you’re in good health. The application process can take up to six months, but once you’re approved, you’ll be able to live and work in Colombia indefinitely.
Mexico has a similar process for obtaining residency. You’ll need to show that you have the financial means to support yourself and that you’re in good health. You’ll also need to obtain a police report from your home country. The application process can take up to eight months, but once you’re approved, you’ll be able to live and work in Mexico indefinitely.
Digital Nomad Visas: Mexico vs Colombia Requirements
If you’re considering a digital nomad visa for Mexico or Colombia, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
First, the cost of living is significantly cheaper in Colombia than in Mexico. This can be a major advantage if you’re on a tight budget. Secondly, Colombia offers a more diverse range of climate and terrain, from the Amazon rain forest to the Andes mountains. This can be a great option if you’re looking for an adventure-filled lifestyle.
Finally, Colombia has a reputation for being more dangerous than Mexico, so it’s important to do your research and choose a safe location to live and work. Overall, both countries have a lot to offer digital nomads, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before deciding.
Mexico vs Colombia: Where Could You Be Living Next?
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Language Differences: Spanish in Mexico vs Colombia
Colombian Spanish and Mexican Spanish are both derived from Latin, the language of the Roman Empire. However, over the centuries, the two dialects have diverged in some ways.
For instance, Colombian Spanish has been influenced by both Portuguese and English, while Mexican Spanish has been influenced by Indigenous languages such as Nahuatl.
As a result, there are some significant differences between the two dialects. For instance, Colombians tend to use more slang than Mexicans, and they also have different pronunciations for certain words.
Nevertheless, Colombian Spanish and Mexican Spanish are still considered to be mutually intelligible, meaning that speakers of one dialect can generally understand speakers of the other.
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Infrastructure & Development: Which Country Feels More Modern?
Overall, it is difficult to say which country is more developed, Colombia or Mexico. Both countries have made progress in recent years, but they still face challenges in different areas.
When considering the overall development of a country, it is important to look at a variety of indicators such as economic growth, infrastructure, education, and health care.
- In terms of economic growth, Colombia has outperformed Mexico in recent years. According to World Bank data, Colombia’s GDP per capita grew by 10.6% in 2021, while Mexico’s grew by only 4.8%.
- However, when it comes to infrastructure, Mexico seems to have the edge. The World Economic Forum’s “Global Competitiveness Report” ranks Mexico’s infrastructure ahead of Colombia’s.
- In terms of education, both countries have made progress in recent years, but again Mexico seems to be ahead. The latest data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics show that Mexico has a higher primary school enrollment rate than Colombia.
- Finally, when it comes to health care, both countries face challenges. According to the World Health Organization, life expectancy in Colombia is 75 years, while in Mexico it is only 72 years.
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Safety Comparison: Is Mexico or Colombia Safer to Live In?
There is no easy answer when it comes to the question of which country is safer, Colombia or Mexico. Based on stats, from a safety perspective Mexico (46.4) appears to be safer than Colombia (39.9). But it’s easy to see that both countries have their fair share of problems.
If you’re simply looking at the numbers, homicide rates for both countries seem to be remarkably close. However, there are a few key differences that make Colombia slightly safer than Mexico. For one thing, Colombia has lower robbery and kidnapping rates than Mexico.
Crime Index Comparison: Mexico vs Colombia and other Countries
Latin America often gets a bad reputation for safety concerns, but the situation can vary significantly by country.
In Colombia, while certain precautions are necessary, particularly with electronics and ATMs due to the prevalence of petty theft, the level of danger is manageable. Murders are generally not a concern unless you resist a robbery or engage with dubious services. Avoiding risky situations and shady characters is always wise. In well-trafficked areas like Zona T in Bogotá or the beaches of Boca Grande in Cartagena, Colombia is comparable to many places in North America. The country’s security situation is improving year by year, making it increasingly safe for travelers.
Conversely, Mexico has been experiencing a rise in violence and cartel activity. However, much of this violence is localized to specific areas, and cartels typically have little interest in targeting tourists. In fact, they often own hotels in popular tourist destinations and benefit from increased tourism. Thus, Mexico can still be relatively safe for travelers, provided you avoid the drug trade and stick to well-traveled areas.
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A flavorful cultural twist: Mexican grilled corn on the cob
Food & Lifestyle: What Daily Life Looks Like in Each Country
There are some clear differences between the two countries when it comes to culinary delights. Mexican cuisine is often heavier on spices, while Colombian food tends to be milder.
Mexican dishes also tend to be served with more rice and beans, while Colombian food typically includes more starchy vegetables like plantains. In terms of meat; chicken is a staple in both cuisines, but pork is more commonly used in Mexican dishes while beef is more common in Colombian dishes.
Mexico has a wider variety of seafood, while Colombia mainly uses freshwater fish. Overall, both cuisines offer a delicious array of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate.
Similarities Between Mexico and Colombia
Mexico and Colombia are two Latin American countries that are often compared to one another. Both countries have rich cultures and a long history, and they are also popular destinations to live.
- For example, Mexico is arguably considered to be more friendly and hospitable than Colombia. This is likely due in part to the fact that tourism is such an important industry in Mexico.
- Additionally, Mexicans tend to be more outgoing and expressive than Colombians, which may contribute to the perception of them as being more friendly. Of course, these are generalizations and there are exceptions to every rule.
But overall, the people of both Mexico and Colombia are widely regarded as being friendly and hospitable.
Mexico vs Colombia: Which Country Is the Better Fit for You?
Deciding between Mexico vs Colombia can be challenging, as each country offers unique climates, landscapes, and cultures. The best country for expats really depends on your lifestyle preferences.
If you love warm weather and vibrant Latin American culture, Mexico may be ideal, while Colombia’s varied climate and rich South American heritage appeal to those seeking diversity. When weighing Mexico vs Colombia, it ultimately comes down to what environment, culture, and opportunities feel like home to you.
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