Cost of Living in Colombia

If you've ever considered moving to Colombia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Colombia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Colombia and whether the reported $904 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $291.61.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Colombia

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	3.15 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	17.48 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	4.81 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.09 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.97 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.11 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.61 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.48 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.78 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.85 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.78 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.5 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	3.23 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.35 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	4.9 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.86 $
Banana (1 lb)	0.68 $
Oranges (1 lb)	0.91 $
Tomato (1 lb)	0.89 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.73 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.74 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.56 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.57 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	6.55 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	0.75 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.23 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	1.75 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.55 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	26.21 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.09 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	1.31 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	5.02 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.53 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	15290.9 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	17299.71 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	63.2 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.04 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	21.86 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	17.03 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	8.62 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	3.28 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	136.14 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	3748.22 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	39.12 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	26.22 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	57.38 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	47.44 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	242.23 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	221.63 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	442.14 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	378.81 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1091.42 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	936.23 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	291.61 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	11.17 %

Warnings & Dangers in Colombia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Despite its frightening reputation, Colombia’s safety has increased in the past couple of years, and it’s not as bad as it once was. Still, you need to apply precaution measures all the tame and follow the instructions to stay safe.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transport is not the safest in Colombia. When using a taxi, always opt for calling the taxi service instead of hailing them off the streets. Also, buses are a problem, as well as the rural roads where if you’re a single car on the road, you’re an easy target for the criminals lurking to rob you on the roads and highways.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are extremely common, and tourists very commonly find themselves in such a situation. When you’re on the streets, try not to look like you have money and leave all your valuables in your accommodation. Don't take your cell phone out in the middle of the street, and while walking around, keep your eyes and hands on your purse at all times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since Colombia is a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and Andean Volcanic Belt, natural disasters that are common in this country are earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Always follow the advice of the authorities.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

The risk of getting mugged or kidnapped is also high in Colombia. There are neighborhoods and areas that should be avoided at all cost, liken Calle 9 area. Bear in mind that you should avoid rural roads and walking alone, particularly at night. Cartagena and coastal areas are safer since they are known tourist areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorism risk is very real in this country, as terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Colombia. The main danger comes from the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissidents of the FARC guerrilla group (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), and other illegal armed groups. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There are a lot of scammers in Colombia trying to take advantage of you, and you have to be smart and cautious, otherwise you will lose your money or get stolen from. Be wary of people lurking around ATMs or anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Colombia is not recommended for solo female travelers, as women can easily feel unsafe on the streets of Bogota and other major cities even when accompanied. If you do decide to, be extremely careful, especially at night and always try to stick with other individuals or groups. Even going accompanied by just one more person is better than going alone.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Colombia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Visas

Currency

Weather

Airports

Travel Insurance

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