Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia
Last updated on Jun 07, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Colombia include its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes. Colombia is also known for its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living. Additionally, the country has a strong economy and is home to many world-renowned universities. On the other hand, the cons of living in Colombia include its high crime rate, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, the country has a high rate of poverty and inequality, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.
What are the pros and cons of living in Colombia?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Colombia responded:
"The weather and climate are great. The cost of living is ok but housing has seen a massive increase in costs," remarked one expat in Medellin.

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What do expats in Colombia appreciate most about the local culture?
"The local and pretty much Countrywide CULTURE that I enjoy most is the 'MANANA' culture. I returned to the USA 2 years ago for a planned 4 month stay after 15 years here. After all my time in Colombia, I had forgotten how much of a rat race the US really is. I stayed for 2 months and returned to Colombia. In the States, you make a list of everything you need to do the next day and then you rush around doing everything on the list. In Colombia I make the list at night but in the morning I look at the list and say MANANA. Here, there is very little rush to do anything," explained one expat living in Colombia.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Primarily the language barrier, and second is the difference in which Americans value time much more than Colombians. Often I explain why we are impatient people, and why time is so valuable and we don't like to wait or waste it. I'm often saying that it's logical really, you can buy, find, replace, or make most anything but not time of course," remarked one in Villavicencio.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Colombia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Colombia
- Guide to Real Estate in Colombia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia
- Cost of Living in Colombia
- Understanding Mental Health in Colombia
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Colombia?
- Having a Baby in Colombia
- Health Insurance for Expats in Colombia
- 2025 Guide to Living in Colombia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Colombia