| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) | $500 – $700 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of Center) | $300 – $500 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | $1,500 – $2,000 per sq meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Center) | $1,000 – $1,500 per sq meter |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | $30 – $50 |
| Transportation (Taxi Start) | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Transportation (Taxi 1km) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Eggs, dozen) | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 1 person, Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 people, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | $30.00 – $50.00 |
| Utilities (Basic Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) | $70.00 – $100.00 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | $200 – $400 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | $300 – $500 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | $400 – $600 per month |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | $500 – $700 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in San Andres Island
“The cost of living in San Andres Island, is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many other tourist destinations. Accommodation prices can vary greatly, with budget options available as well as more luxurious resorts. Eating out in local restaurants is generally inexpensive, and local transportation, such as buses and taxis, is also quite affordable. Groceries can be bought at local markets or supermarkets at reasonable prices. However, imported goods can be more expensive due to the island’s remote location. Health care is also affordable, especially in comparison to North American standards. Overall, the cost of living is low to moderate, depending on your lifestyle and spending habits,” said one expat living in San Andres Island.
Can I live in San Andres Island on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Andres Island for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many places in the world, but it’s not the cheapest place in Colombia. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in the more popular and touristy areas like Punta Hansa or San Luis, you’re looking at paying around $800 to $1,000 a month for a decent apartment. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out in neighborhoods like La Loma or San Francisco, you can find places for around $400 to $600 a month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a meal for around $3 to $5 at a local restaurant. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. Utilities like electricity and water can be a bit expensive, especially if you’re using air conditioning a lot. Transportation is another area where you can save money. The island is small, so you can get around easily on a bike or scooter. If you prefer to use public transportation, a bus ticket costs less than a dollar. One thing to keep in mind is that while healthcare is affordable, it’s not as advanced as in more developed countries. If you have any serious health issues, you might need to travel to the mainland for treatment. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do on the island, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the local culture. However, if you’re into nightlife or fine dining, you might find your options a bit limited. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in San Andres Island is doable, but it requires a certain level of frugality and willingness to adapt to the local lifestyle. It’s not a life of luxury, but it’s a life full of rich experiences and natural beauty,” commented an expat living in San Andres Island.
Can I live in San Andres Island on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Andres Island for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many places in the US, but it’s still higher than in many other parts of Colombia. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in a modern apartment with all the amenities in a popular neighborhood like Punta Hansa, you could easily spend half of your budget or more on rent. However, there are more affordable options if you’re willing to live a bit further from the beach or in a less trendy neighborhood. I live in San Luis, which is a bit more local and less touristy, but still has everything I need. I pay about $800 a month for a nice two-bedroom apartment. Food is another big expense, especially if you eat out a lot or buy imported goods. Local produce and seafood are quite affordable, but anything imported can be quite expensive. I’ve found that cooking at home most of the time and eating local foods can save a lot of money. Transportation is relatively cheap. You can get around the island by bus or taxi for a few dollars, or rent a scooter for about $20 a day. I’ve found that having a scooter is a great way to get around and explore the island, and it’s much cheaper than owning a car. Healthcare is also quite affordable. I have a local health insurance plan that costs about $50 a month and covers most basic medical needs. However, for more serious medical issues, you might need to go to the mainland, which can be expensive. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do on the island, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the local markets. However, if you want to do more touristy things like scuba diving or going on boat tours, that can add up. Overall, I’d say that living on $3,000 a month in San Andres is doable, but it does require some sacrifices. You might not be able to live in the most popular neighborhood or eat out every night, but you can still have a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle,” said one expat living in San Andres Island.
Can I live in San Andres Island on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in San Andres Island for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, even with a taste for modern amenities. However, you’ll need to be smart about your spending. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many places in the world, but it’s still important to budget wisely. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like San Luis and La Loma. They’re more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $1,000 a month. On the other hand, areas like Punta Hansa and El Cove are more upscale and therefore more expensive. Unless you’re willing to allocate a large portion of your budget to housing, I’d avoid these areas. Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially for imported goods. I spend around $300 a month on groceries, but I cook most of my meals at home. If you plan on eating out a lot, expect to spend more. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $150 a month. Keep in mind that the internet here isn’t as fast as you might be used to, but it’s sufficient for most needs. Transportation is relatively cheap. You can get around the island by bus for less than a dollar per ride. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $20 a day. Healthcare is affordable and of good quality. A visit to a general practitioner will cost you around $30, while a specialist will charge around $50. As for entertainment, there’s plenty to do on the island that won’t break the bank. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking, or explore the local culture and history. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to. Imported goods are expensive, so you might have to adjust your diet or lifestyle. The pace of life is also slower here, which can be a big adjustment if you’re used to a fast-paced city life. Overall, living on $5,000 a month in San Andres Island is definitely doable. You’ll have to budget wisely and make some adjustments, but you can live a comfortable and enjoyable life here,” commented an expat living in San Andres Island.
