The furnished vs unfurnished decision in Medellín isn't just about convenience — it affects your lease structure, your deposit requirements, your annual rent increases, and your total housing cost over the life of your stay. This guide runs the real numbers.
The Price Difference Is Substantial
Furnished apartments in Medellín typically command a 30–50% premium over unfurnished equivalents. In a 1-bedroom in Laureles, the gap looks like this:
| Configuration | Unfurnished (COP) | Furnished (COP) | USD Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laureles 1BR | 2,000,000–3,000,000 | 3,000,000–5,500,000 | +$270–$675/mo |
| Envigado 1BR | 1,800,000–2,800,000 | 2,600,000–4,800,000 | +$215–$540/mo |
| El Poblado 1BR | 3,000,000–5,000,000 | 4,500,000–8,500,000 | +$405–$945/mo |
What "Unfurnished" Really Means in Colombia
Colombian "unfurnished" is more bare than what Americans or Europeans expect. It typically means:
- Included: Stove/oven (legally required), kitchen counters, bathroom fixtures, closet structures (often built-in)
- NOT included: Refrigerator, washing machine, beds, sofas, dining table, light fixtures (sometimes), curtains
This means furnishing from scratch. Here's what that actually costs:
| Item | Budget (COP) | Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (Haceb/Samsung basic) | 1,200,000–2,000,000 | $325–$540 |
| Washing machine | 900,000–1,500,000 | $245–$405 |
| Queen bed + mattress | 1,500,000–3,000,000 | $405–$810 |
| Sofa | 800,000–2,000,000 | $215–$540 |
| Dining table + chairs | 500,000–1,200,000 | $135–$325 |
| Kitchen essentials | 300,000–600,000 | $80–$160 |
| Curtains / blinds | 200,000–500,000 | $55–$135 |
| Total furnishing | 5,400,000–10,800,000 | $1,460–$2,920 |
The Break-Even Calculation
Assume a 1-bedroom in Laureles: furnished at COP 4,200,000/month, unfurnished at COP 2,500,000/month. The monthly savings on unfurnished: COP 1,700,000 ($460).
If furnishing costs COP 7,500,000 ($2,025), you break even in about 4.4 months. After that, every month saves you $460. Over a 2-year stay, the unfurnished option saves approximately $8,600 — even accounting for the initial furnishing investment.
Lease Structure Differences
| Factor | Unfurnished | Furnished |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lease term | 12 months, auto-renew | 1–12 months, flexible |
| Deposit/guarantee | Fiador, CDT, or póliza | 1–3 months' rent cash |
| Rent increase cap | IPC (5.10% in 2026) | Often uncapped (commercial terms) |
| Administración | Usually separate | Often included in quoted price |
| Utilities | Always separate | Sometimes included with a tope (cap) |
When Each Option Makes Sense
Choose furnished if:
- You're staying less than 18 months
- You value simplicity over savings
- You don't want to deal with buying/selling furniture
- You're testing the city before committing long-term
Choose unfurnished if:
- You're staying 2+ years
- You want the IPC rent increase protection
- You prefer choosing your own furniture and style
- You want access to lower-priced local market listings
- You plan to build local credit (utility contracts in your name help)
Find Long-Term Apartments in Medellín
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — some landlords will furnish a unit if you sign a 12+ month lease and agree to a slightly higher rent. This is common with individual owners found through FincaRaiz or portero referrals. You won't find this option on Airbnb or Casacol.
Most expats sell through Facebook Marketplace or expat groups. Barely-used items typically sell for 50–70% of purchase price within a week. Some landlords will buy furniture from departing tenants if they plan to convert the unit to furnished.
Sometimes. Many furnished rentals include utilities with a tope (cap) — for example, COP 250,000/month. If you exceed the cap, you pay the overage. Always confirm the exact terms before signing.
Unfurnished. When you sign utility contracts (EPM, internet) and an unfurnished lease in your name with your cédula de extranjería, you begin building a local credit history tracked by DataCrédito. Furnished short-term contracts typically don't contribute to your credit profile.
Need help finding a long-term apartment?
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll connect you with verified options in Medellín.
Get in Touch