Cost of Living in Popayan
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Popayan helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) | Approximately $200 - $300 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | Approximately $150 - $200 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 |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | Approximately $30 - $40 |
| Transportation (Taxi Start) | Approximately $1.50 |
| Transportation (Taxi 1km) | Approximately $1.00 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | Approximately $1.00 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | Approximately $1.00 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | Approximately $1.00 |
| Groceries (Eggs, 12) | Approximately $2.00 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | Approximately $4.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 1 person in an inexpensive restaurant) | Approximately $3.00 - $5.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant) | Approximately $20.00 - $30.00 |
| Utilities (Monthly for 85m2 Apartment) | Approximately $50 - $70 |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | Approximately $200 - $300 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | Approximately $300 - $400 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | Approximately $400 - $500 per month |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | Approximately $500 - $600 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Popayan
"The cost of living in Popayan is considered to be relatively low compared to other cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Popayan are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Popayan is very cheap, with a one-way ticket costing a small amount. Taxis are also affordable, especially for short distances. healthcare in Popayan is relatively inexpensive, with both public and private healthcare facilities offering services at lower costs than in many other countries. Overall, the cost of living in Popayan is low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, salaries and wages in Popayan are also lower than in larger Colombian cities, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of living," said one expat living in Popayan.
Can I live in Popayan on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Popayan 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 have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living here is quite low compared to many other places. You can rent a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood for around $300 to $400 a month. The neighborhoods of El Recuerdo and La Paz are quite affordable and they're also safe and peaceful. On the other hand, neighborhoods like El Norte and San Camilo are a bit more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a tight budget. Groceries are also quite cheap. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples for around $200 a month. Public transportation is also affordable, but if you prefer, you can also get a used car for around $5,000. health insurance is another thing you'll have to consider. It can cost around $70 a month for a basic plan. But remember, this is Colombia, so don't expect the same level of healthcare you're used to back home. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. You can go hiking, visit local markets, or enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. All in all, living in Popayan on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending," commented an expat living in Popayan.
Can I live in Popayan on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Popayan 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 quite low compared to many other places. For example, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. The neighborhood of El Recuerdo is a great option. It's safe, quiet, and close to many amenities. If you prefer a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider the north of the city, like the area around the University of Cauca. However, rents there can be a bit higher, maybe around $600 to $800 a month. As for other expenses, groceries will probably cost you around $200 a month if you cook at home. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10. Utilities, including internet, will be around $100 a month. Public transportation is also cheap, but if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are a bit high. In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the modern amenities you're used to are not as readily available or as high quality as you're used to. For example, while internet service is generally reliable, it might not be as fast as you're used to. Also, while healthcare in Colombia is generally good, the quality can vary and you might find that you prefer to pay more for private healthcare. Another thing to consider is that while many people in Popayan speak English, it's not as common as in larger cities like Bogota or Medellin. So, you might need to learn some basic Spanish to get by. Overall, I'd say that living in Popayan on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. Just be prepared to adjust your expectations a bit and embrace the local culture and lifestyle," said one expat living in Popayan.
Can I live in Popayan on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Popayan for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. The neighborhood of El Recuerdo is a great option. It's safe, quiet, and close to many amenities. If you prefer a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider the north of the city, like the area around the University of Cauca. However, rents there can be a bit higher, around $600 to $800 a month. When it comes to utilities like electricity, water, and internet, you're looking at about $100 a month. Groceries will probably cost you around $200 a month, but that can vary depending on your eating habits. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is very cheap, with a one-way ticket costing less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, gasoline is about $0.70 per liter. Healthcare is also affordable. You can get a private health insurance plan for about $70 a month. The quality of healthcare is good, especially in the larger cities. As for entertainment, there's plenty to do without breaking the bank. There are many beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites to visit. A movie ticket costs around $4 and a gym membership is about $30 a month. Of course, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make. For instance, imported goods can be quite expensive due to import taxes. So, if you're used to certain brands from home, you might have to find local alternatives. Also, while many people speak English, especially in the larger cities, it's not as widely spoken in smaller towns. So, learning some Spanish would definitely be beneficial. But overall, I'd say that living in Popayan on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. You just need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to adapt to a new lifestyle," commented an expat living in Popayan.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
