| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) | Approximately $300 – $400 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | Approximately $200 – $300 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,000 – $1,500 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | Approximately $800 – $1,200 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | Approximately $30 – $40 |
| Taxi (Normal Tariff, 1km) | Approximately $1 – $2 |
| Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef) | Approximately $50 – $100 per week |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | Approximately $3 – $5 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | Approximately $20 – $30 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | Approximately $50 – $100 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | Approximately $30 – $40 per month |
| Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) | Approximately $200 – $300 |
| Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) | Approximately $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) | Approximately $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Private High School Tuition (Yearly) | Approximately $3,000 – $4,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Barranquilla
“The cost of living in Barranquilla is relatively affordable compared to many other cities around the world. Housing is quite inexpensive, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being much lower than in many Western countries. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced. Groceries in Barranquilla are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at low prices. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive meals available at local eateries and more expensive options at high-end restaurants. Transportation costs are also low in Barranquilla. Public transportation is widely used and is very affordable. Taxis are also reasonably priced, and owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance. Healthcare in Barranquilla is of a good standard and is also affordable. Both public and private healthcare options are available, with private healthcare being more expensive but still reasonably priced compared to many other countries. Overall, the cost of living in Barranquilla is low, making it an attractive option for expats and retirees. However, salaries in Colombia are also generally lower than in Western countries, so this should be taken into account when considering moving to Barranquilla,” said one expat living in Barranquilla.
Can I live in Barranquilla on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Barranquilla for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go out for drinks every night. But you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Barranquilla is relatively low compared to many other cities. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood for around $300 to $400 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I’d recommend are El Prado, Boston, and Los Alpes. These areas are safe, have good infrastructure, and are close to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Riomar and Villa Country are more upscale and expensive. While they’re beautiful and have a lot of amenities, the cost of living there can be significantly higher. So, unless you have a larger budget, I’d suggest avoiding these areas. Groceries will probably cost you around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a one-way ticket costing less than a dollar. However, if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices can be high. Healthcare in Colombia is generally good and affordable. However, I’d recommend getting a private health insurance plan, which can cost around $100 a month, but it gives you access to better hospitals and doctors. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. You can go to the cinema for less than $5, or enjoy the city’s parks and beaches for free. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, many of which are free or very cheap to attend. So, while you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending, I believe you can live comfortably in Barranquilla on $1,500 a month. It’s a vibrant city with a lot to offer, and the cost of living is quite reasonable compared to many other places,” commented an expat living in Barranquilla.
Can I live in Barranquilla on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Barranquilla for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $800 a month. If you’re looking for affordable neighborhoods, I’d recommend areas like El Prado or Alto Prado. They’re safe, have good infrastructure, and are close to shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Riomar and Villa Country are more upscale and therefore more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you’re on a budget. As for other expenses, groceries will probably cost you around $200 a month, utilities around $100, and a meal at a mid-range restaurant is usually less than $10. Public transportation is also very affordable, but if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the U.S. In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some products you’re used to are more expensive here, especially imported goods. Also, while healthcare in Colombia is generally good and much cheaper than in the U.S., the quality can vary, so you might want to budget for private health insurance. Finally, while Barranquilla has a lot to offer, it’s not as cosmopolitan as cities like Bogota or Medellin. But if you’re open to experiencing a new culture and don’t mind the hot tropical climate, I think you’ll find that you can live quite comfortably here on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Barranquilla.
Can I live in Barranquilla on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Barranquilla for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is more than possible, it’s actually quite comfortable. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe. For example, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $800 a month. The most expensive neighborhoods like Alto Prado or Villa Country can be a bit pricier, but even there you can find something decent for around $1,000. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like El Prado or Bellavista. They’re safe, centrally located, and much more affordable. When it comes to utilities, you’re looking at around $100 a month, and groceries will cost you about $200 to $300 a month. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10, and street food is even cheaper. As for transportation, taxis and Uber are widely available and very affordable. A 10-minute ride will cost you around $3. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for about $400 a month. Healthcare is also quite affordable. A visit to a general practitioner will cost you around $30, and a specialist will charge around $50. If you prefer to have health insurance, you can get a good plan for around $100 a month. The only thing that might be a bit more expensive than you’re used to is electronics. Things like laptops, smartphones, and TVs can be quite pricey due to import taxes. But if you bring your own from home, you should be fine. In terms of sacrifices, I wouldn’t say there are many. You might miss some products or brands from home, but you can find most things here. And while not everyone speaks English, people are generally friendly and willing to help. Overall, I’d say that living in Barranquilla on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but also quite comfortable. You can enjoy a good quality of life, with modern amenities and plenty of opportunities for entertainment and leisure,” commented an expat living in Barranquilla.
