Should we come back stateside?

I assume you're not worried about the politics here? It's really added a layer of stress for many women and minorities, so consider that in your calculation as well. I also worry about my kids getting shot at school which I'm guessing you don't. That being said, I moved 1500 miles home to be closer to my family in 2017 and am overall happy I did. It was nice to have their help when the kids were young. Now that they're older and we're driving them around all the time, I actually find it hard to set-up the right boundaries with my mother. Last weekend, she came to town (they live 2 hours away) and showed up an hour and a half before before they said they would with no warning. I had to cut my run short and didn't get to help my daughter with a project like I'd planned. Love them, but honestly, being close to family can backfire. I wouldn't base where you live on your family. You can have wonderful visits no matter where in the world they are.

I assume your wife is Colombian? As someone in Minnesota where ICE is abducting people off the streets and out of the courthouse when the show up for their immigration check ins (no warrant, no due process = abduction), I would think VERY carefully about the safety of your wife and children here in the US right now. Even if your wife and children are citizens, there are numerous cases of BIPOC citizens being taken away and eventually released when they figure out they have the wrong person. Best of luck with whatever decision you make.

On USD110K you can have a heck of a lifestyle in Colombia on USD110K and still save a ton. How do we have 20% savings rates with young families in the US?... by watching our lifestyle and selectively spending on what's important.

You're probably paying for your kids' private school in Colombia, whereas in most places public school is fine in the US. There are trade-offs in both directions.

If you're in a big city like BOG or MDE you're probably already in touch with the expat community. People who have more recently moved to Colombia may be able to give you a more accurate comparison & contrast.

My wife and I were in a similar situation in 2023 but I wanted her to experience life in America. At the time we were living in China. I had been there 9 years and moving back was definitely a culture shock. We lived with my parents while returning and they didn't charge us rent but we paid them a small amount anyway. they were just happy to have us back home. We later bought a house and airbnb a bedroom that helps cover out cost. It does cost more but it also feels easier to earn more. medical is expensive but was a nice change of pace from the care we were getting in China. it has good and bad being here. ultimately we want to head back to SE Asia to shave some years off working careers but we don't regret the move its easy to earn here then spend there.

When you talk about being close to your family, what are you envisioning that to be, and what do you think your family in the US would want it to be? Understanding that can go a long way to determining what's more worth your while. If there's a lot of family support and other family reasons that justify being closer, that could suggest it's a good idea. But if you'd only be seeing family occasionally anyway, then staying in Colombia for the geoarbitrage advantages could be far more worthwhile.

If money weren't an issue, where would you prefer to raise your children? Where would you prefer to live? Though there are plenty of LCOL areas in the US, nowhere is going to come close to Colombia- but there are also seem to be so many other benefits to living down there vs. here. What about being even more creative with the money you save- not only visiting the US more often/for longer, but paying to fly your family down to spend time with you?

The only advice I have is family is pretty darn important, especially when you have kids. I am 60 with 3 kids out of the house and Coast fire since 2010. On the financial side, you’ll find a way.