An Expat Talks about Moving to Cartago, Colombia

Dec 06, 2017

Colombia

An expat in Cartago, Colombia has found a little bit of heaven living in Colombia. He appreciates the much lower cost of living and admits he lives like a king in Colombia for $2,000 a month. He advises others moving to Colombia to bring only the necessities and buy furniture there.

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Cartago

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Miss my friends, some of my regular TV programming and my boat. I should have left my old furniture, sell your stuff before moving to Colombia. They have nice stuff to buy at good prices.

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Rent first. Get to know the area you are moving to first. Bring only the money you need while here. The money is taxable in the US but not in Solombia if pension of Social Security. Colombia is a heaven!

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I have a US $70,000 home I found and fell in love with. This home in the Gig harbor area in WA will cost $600,000. Some expats buy homes in more expensive areas out of town for US $120,000 with swimming pools and entertainment areas.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

I visit the area many times and was in love with the Cerritos, Cartage and Quindio area. This area is safer than the USA.

Expats living in Colombia interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. Get a Quote

Expats living in Colombia interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

One dollar in the area will buy the equivalent of $9 dollars in the USA. I have a car if I want to drive, however at less than US$1 for a taxi ride in town, I prefer for them to pick me up. You can live in Colombia on US $2000 with a maid cleaning, cooking. I travel to the coast for six days for US $500. I live like a king.

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Colombia from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

12 Things to Know Before Moving to Colombia

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

22 Expats Talk about What It's Like Moving to Colombia

If you're moving to Colombia, read these tips from expats living Colombia. From what to bring to Colombia, hiring a lawyer for visa issues, buying vs. renting, health insurance and hospitals, the frustrations of using Amazon in Colombia and more.

Expats Talk about What it's Like Moving to Colombia

Already living abroad? Write a report about moving overseas to help people preparing to move abroad.

Best Places to Live in Medellin, Colombia

Here are the best places to live in Medellin, Colombia, based on the recommendations of expats that already live there. There are options for a variety of budgets in this now popular destination in Colombia.

9 Best Places to Live in Colombia

Here are the 9 best places to live in Colombia according to expats living in Colombia. Expats share why they love living in each city, the climate, cost of living, social activities and more. Don't overlook the comments about heat and humidity in some coastal cities - while these conditions are ideal for some expats, they're oppressive for others.

6 Best Places to Live in Colombia

Colombia has made an incredible transformation. Expats in Colombia have a lot to say about the best places to live in Colombia. From cities on the Caribbean coast to inland cities, here are 6 of the best places to live in Colombia.

An American woman talks about moving to Cali, Colombia to retire with her Colombian husband. She describes how the low cost of living in Colombia has given her a new lease on life. They are traveling throughout Colombia, living in a beautiful new penthouse apartment and enjoying retirement in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

Colombia is an up-and-coming expat destination. With it's low cost of living, and wonderful people, Colombia has a lot to offer.

Expat Colombia: 10 Tips for Living in Bogota

Expats offer advice for others considering a move to Bogota, Colombia. Topics include safety in Bogota, best neighborhoods for expats, international schools in Bogota and more.

5 Tips For Living in Medellin, Colombia

Expats living in Medellin, Colombia report that there are safe places to live - and that the nightlife is fun, too. Read about how to live in Medellin - a city that has become quite a popular destination for expats.

Write a Comment about this Expat Report

Comments about this Report

dliss62

Mar 8, 2018 16:46

I'm not sure what the writer means by... "The money is taxable in the US but not in Solombia if pension of Social Security. Colombia is a heaven!" Any U.S. income to include Social Security and pensions are taxable under Colombian law once you live in the country for more than 180 days in a calendar year. Make sure you consult a tax expert in Colombia and U.S. before you pull the trigger on moving to Colombia because your assets in the U.S. (house, cars, stocks and bonds) are subject to Colombian tax once you pass the 180 day (6 mo) mark.