Cost of Living in Colombia (2025): How Far Your Money Really Goes
Colombia has become one of the most appealing destinations in Latin America for expats, digital nomads, and retirees seeking high quality of life without the high price tag. With modern cities, vibrant culture, and affordable living, Colombia offers a lifestyle that rivals Europe and the U.S. at a fraction of the cost. But what does it really cost to live here in 2025? This guide breaks down rent, food, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, regional differences, and what an actual monthly budget looks like.
Whether you’re considering retiring in Medellín, working remotely from Bogotá, or living beachside in Cartagena or Santa Marta, this is your ultimate cost-of-living breakdown.
What Does “Affordable” Really Mean in Colombia?
Compared to the U.S., Canada, and Europe, day-to-day expenses and the cost of living in Colombia are significantly lower — but the real value depends on your lifestyle, your city, and your “estrato,” the socioeconomic rating of your neighborhood.
In general, you’ll spend:
- 40–70% less on rent
- 50–80% less on healthcare
- 30–60% less on groceries and meals
- 60–90% less on transportation
Even in the most expensive Colombian cities, your money stretches further than most major cities in the West.
Cost of Living in Colombia by City (2025 Snapshot)
| City | Cost Level | Who It Fits | Average Rent (1 BR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medellín | $$ | Retirees, digital nomads | $300–$600 |
| Bogotá | $$–$$$ | Professionals, students | $350–$700 |
| Cartagena | $$–$$$$ | Beach lovers, luxury expats | $500–$1,200 |
| Santa Marta | $–$$ | Quiet coastal living | $250–$500 |
| Bucaramanga | $ | Low-cost retirees | $200–$400 |
| Cali | $–$$ | Local culture seekers | $250–$450 |
| Coffee Region (Manizales, Pereira, Armenia) | $ | Nature lovers, retirees | $200–$400 |
Prices vary by estrato — lower estratos pay less, higher estratos pay more.
Housing Costs of living in Colombia (2025)
Housing is where most expats feel the biggest savings. Colombia’s rental market is modern and extremely affordable.
Average Rent: Furnished Apartments
| City | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | Estrato 3–5 Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medellín | $300–$600 | $500–$900 | Most walkable areas |
| Bogotá | $350–$700 | $600–$1,000 | Chapinero, Usaquén, Cedritos |
| Cartagena | $500–$1,200 | $800–$1,800 | Bocagrande, Manga |
| Santa Marta | $250–$500 | $450–$750 | Rodadero, Bello Horizonte |
| Manizales | $200–$350 | $350–$550 | Safe, central, modern |
Luxury Apartments / Penthouses
- $800–$1,800 in Medellín
- $1,000–$2,500 in Bogotá
- $1,500–$3,000+ in Cartagena beachfront
- $700–$1,400 in the Coffee Region
Compared to major U.S. cities, Colombia offers premium living for economy pricing.
Estrato and Housing Costs
Colombia’s estrato system affects utility prices:
- Estrato 1–2: very low cost (heavily subsidized)
- Estrato 3–4: middle class, most common for expats
- Estrato 5–6: higher cost (you pay a surcharge)
Most expats choose Estrato 4 or 5 — safe, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
Utilities & Internet Costs
Average Monthly Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water):
- Estrato 3: $25–$40
- Estrato 4: $40–$70
- Estrato 5–6: $60–$120
Electricity varies heavily with A/C use — coastal cities cost more.
Internet Plans
Colombia has fast, affordable internet:
- 50–150 Mbps: $15–$30
- 300+ Mbps: $30–$45
- Fiber optic available in most major cities
Providers: Claro, Tigo, Movistar, ETB.
Groceries & Food Costs in Colombia
Food is one of Colombia’s biggest advantages.
Average Grocery Prices:
- Chicken (1 kg): $3–$4
- Beef (1 kg): $5–$7
- Fruits (mango, pineapple, bananas): $0.30–$1 each
- Vegetables: very cheap
- Milk: $0.90–$1.20
- Coffee (local): $2–$4 per bag
- Beer: $1–$1.50
- Wine (imported): $8–$14
Monthly grocery bill:
- Single person: $120–$180
- Couple: $180–$250
Eating Out:
- Local meal: $3–$6
- Mid-range restaurant: $10–$18 per person
- High-end dining (Medellín/Bogotá): $20–$40 per person
- Coffee shop latte: $1.50–$2.20
Transportation Costs in Colombia
Colombia’s public transport is extremely affordable.
Options and Prices:
- Metro (Medellín): $0.80 per ride
- TransMilenio (Bogotá): $0.80–$1
- Taxi rides: $2–$6
- Uber / InDriver: $2–$8
- Intercity buses: $10–$20
- Domestic flights: $25–$80 (LATAM, Avianca, Viva)
Owning a car
Cars are expensive due to import taxes:
- Used car: $8,000–$15,000
- Gasoline: $1.20–$1.40 per liter
Most expats simply use taxis or Uber.
Healthcare Costs
Colombia’s healthcare is among the best in Latin America — affordable, modern, and accessible.
EPS Public Insurance:
- $30–$60 per month
- Full coverage
- Small copays
Private Insurance:
- $60–$150 per month
- Faster appointments
- Private hospitals
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Family doctor: $15–$30
- Specialist: $25–$50
- Dental cleaning: $20–$40
- MRI/CT: $120–$200
- Prescription meds: extremely affordable
Medical tourism is growing rapidly due to low costs and high quality.
Lifestyle & Entertainment Costs
Colombia offers a rich, affordable lifestyle:
- Gym membership: $12–$30
- Movie ticket: $3–$5
- Salsa classes: $5–$10 per hour
- Concert: $20–$80
- Night out: $20–$40 total
- Weekend beach trip: $100–$200
Real Monthly Budget Examples (2025)
1. Budget Lifestyle — $600–$800/month
- Estrato 3 apartment: $250
- Groceries: $120
- Transportation: $30
- Eating out: $60
- Phone/Internet: $20
- Entertainment: $50
- Healthcare: $40
2. Comfortable Middle-Class Lifestyle — $1,000–$1,500/month
- Estrato 4–5 modern apartment: $400–$600
- Groceries: $150
- Eating out: $100–$150
- Uber/taxi: $60
- Healthcare: $60
- Entertainment: $100
3. Luxury Expat Lifestyle — $2,000–$3,500/month
- Penthouse/best area: $1,000–$2,000
- Housekeeper 2x/week: $80
- Groceries + dining out: $300
- Domestic flights monthly: $60–$150
- Gym, spa, nightlife, etc.: $200+
Even a luxury lifestyle is cheaper than middle-class life in the U.S.
Where Your Money Goes Furthest
Best value for retirees & long-term residents
- Bucaramanga
- Manizales
- Pereira
- Armenia
Best quality of life for digital nomads
- Medellín
Most expensive
- Cartagena (tourist areas)
- Bogotá (north side)
Is Colombia Still Affordable in 2025?
Yes — even with inflation, Colombia remains one of the best cost-of-living destinations in the world. The value you get for housing, healthcare, food, and lifestyle is exceptional.
You can live comfortably on:
- $900–$1,200 in Medellín or Bogotá
- $700–$900 in Cali, Bucaramanga, or the Coffee Region
- $1,200–$2,000+ in Cartagena beachfront
For retirees, remote workers, and long-term travelers, Colombia offers a balanced, enjoyable, and affordable life that’s hard to match anywhere else.
Check out: Living in Colombia – ColombiaVibe.com
