Cost Guide
How Much Does Video Production Cost in Medellín?
A detailed breakdown of studio rates and what you actually get — compared to New York, London, and Los Angeles. Updated 2026.
Hourly studio rates by city
Rates reflect professional studios with a crew, 4K cameras, lighting, and audio — comparable setups to what you'd find in Medellín. Budget studios at the low end are excluded.
| City | Studio rate (hourly) | Post-production | English availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medellín Best value | $97.50–$130/hr | Included (with VIP Pass) | Available at top studios |
| New York City | $300–$600/hr | Extra — typically $150–$250/hr | Yes |
| Los Angeles | $250–$500/hr | Extra — typically $125–$200/hr | Yes |
| London | £200–£450/hr (~$250–$560) | Extra — typically £100–£200/hr | Yes |
| Miami | $200–$400/hr | Extra — typically $100–$175/hr | Yes |
| Toronto | CAD $200–$400/hr (~$145–$290) | Extra — typically $100+/hr | Yes |
Rates sourced from publicly listed studio pricing as of 2026. Actual rates vary by studio, crew size, and production complexity.
What a 20-hour VIP Pass in Medellín buys
Estudio Helios's flagship package: $1,950 total ($97.50/hr). Here's what that gets you — and what the equivalent would cost in New York.
- 20 hours of studio time
- Three 4K cameras including Netflix-approved cinema gear
- Four Shure SM7B podcast microphones
- Professional lighting and XL teleprompter
- Color grading included
- Audio optimization included
- 3-day delivery to Google Drive
- Satisfaction guarantee
- English-speaking team
- 20 hours of studio time
- Comparable camera and lighting setup
- Post-production billed separately
- Color grading: $150–$250/hr extra
- Audio: $100–$150/hr extra
- 3-day delivery not guaranteed
- No satisfaction guarantee standard
Why does the price difference exist?
Lower operating costs
Studio rent, crew salaries, and overhead in Medellín are significantly lower than in New York, London, or LA. This isn't reflected in equipment quality — the cameras, microphones, and lighting rigs are the same global brands. The savings come from real estate and labor market differences.
Favorable exchange rate
If you're earning in USD, GBP, EUR, or CAD, the Colombian peso exchange rate amplifies your purchasing power. Your production budget stretches considerably further here than at home.
No middlemen
Medellín's best studios work directly with the creator — no production agency markup, no account manager fees, no unnecessary layers. You're working directly with the crew that's filming you.
Competition drives value
Medellín's growing density of international creators has produced genuine competition between studios on quality and price. The studios that have survived are the ones that deliver real results at clear prices.
What to budget for a production trip
A complete 3–5 day content sprint in Medellín, including flights from the US.
| Item | Estimated cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flights (Miami–Medellín) | $250–$500 |
| Round-trip flights (New York–Medellín) | $400–$700 |
| Hotel in El Poblado (4 nights, mid-range) | $300–$600 |
| Studio: 20-hour VIP Pass (Estudio Helios) | $1,950 |
| Food, transport, incidentals | $200–$400 |
| Total trip estimate (from Miami) | ~$2,700–$3,450 |
| Equivalent NYC production only (20 hours) | $9,000–$17,000 |
You get the same (or better) finished content for roughly a third of the cost — including flights and hotels.
Ready to plan your production trip?
Estudio Helios is the studio we recommend for international creators visiting Medellín. English-speaking team, professional gear, VIP Pass pricing from $97.50/hr, and a satisfaction guarantee.