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Cost of Living in Colombia | Expat Exchange
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Cartagena, Colombia

Cost of Living in Colombia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 10, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Colombia is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice one bedroom apartment in Colombia can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost from $600 to $1,200 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Colombia is usually around $10 to $15 per person.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Is the cost of living in Colombia high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Colombia, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Colombia is generally quite affordable compared to other countries in the region. Prices for basic grocery items, transportation and other utilities are generally lower than neighboring countries. Eating out and entertainment costs are also quite reasonable and there are good deals to be had. Housing can be more expensive in some of the bigger cities but there are still budget-friendly options available," said one expat in Colombia.

"The exact and precise answer is...that depends. Do you prefer city life or country living? How many in the family? how's your health? Do you think you'll need a car? I have more than $1500.00 (USD) but I could live on it no problemo. I'm single, have no need for a car because my neighborhood is pretty much self contained and walkable. 1500 bucks translated into COP would still be far more than the average person earns here," remarked one in Colombia.

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Will I save money living in Colombia?

"We easily live on our combined Social Security, and that was our goal. Since we signed up for the National health insurance, we were able to cancel our Medicare costs and supplements. That saved us over $500 per month," explained one expat living in Medellin.

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What is the average cost of housing in Colombia?

If you are thinking about moving to Colombia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Equivalent housing to the USA, what cost in Seattle $6 dollars, cost $1 in the area. take your pick. A $1.2 million home in Seattle costs $200,000. A $500,000 dollar home about $80,000," explained one expat.

"The average cost of housing in Colombia generally varies in price depending on the location and size of the property. Generally, prices for housing in the major cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali tend to be higher than in smaller cities and rural areas. On average, a studio apartment in a major city can range in cost from approximately US$150 to US$500 per month," said one person in Colombia.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Colombia?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Colombia typically ranges from around $400 to $1,000 USD per month. The rental cost for a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Colombia is usually slightly higher, with prices ranging from approximately $600 to $1,500 USD per month," remarked one expat in Colombia.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Colombia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Colombia typically come with essential household appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and oven, washing machine and dryer, and hot water heater. They may also include common home furnishings such as a sofa, beds, dining table and chairs, and sometimes basic electronics and kitchenware. Some higher-end rentals may also include air-conditioning units or a dishwasher," said an expat in Colombia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Cartagena, Colombia

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