Cost of Living in Villa de Leyva

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Villa de Leyva 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 apartment in city center: $250 – $400 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $200 – $350 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $500 – $800 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 – $700 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $800 – $1,200
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $0.70 – $1.00 Monthly local transport pass: $20 – $30 Taxi starting tariff: $1.50 – $2.00 Taxi 1km tariff: $1.00 – $1.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.00
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.20 Bread (500g): $0.50 – $1.00 Rice (1kg): $1.00 – $1.50 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $3.00 – $5.00 Beef round (1kg): $4.00 – $6.00 Apples (1kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Oranges (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Potatoes (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Bottle of wine (mid-range): $5.00 – $10.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $3.00 – $5.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $20.00 – $40.00 Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $4.00 – $6.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.00 – $1.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50 Cappuccino: $1.00 – $2.00 Coca-Cola/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $50 – $100 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.05 – $0.10 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $20 – $40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $100 – $200 per month Elementary school tuition: $200 – $400 per month Middle school tuition: $300 – $500 per month High school tuition: $400 – $600 per month

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Villa de Leyva

“The cost of living in Villa de Leyva is relatively affordable compared to larger cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are generally lower, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Groceries and food prices are also reasonable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Transportation costs are minimal, as the town is small and walkable, but taxis and buses are available for those who need them. Dining out and entertainment options are moderately priced, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to different budgets. Overall, Villa de Leyva offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle for both locals and expats,” said one expat living in Villa de Leyva.

Can I live in Villa de Leyva on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Villa de Leyva for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. The cost of living in Villa de Leyva is generally lower than in major cities like Bogota or Medellin, but it’s still important to be mindful of your expenses.First, you’ll want to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Villa de Leyva include El Centro and La Candelaria, so you might want to avoid those areas if you’re on a tight budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like El Carmen or El Roble, where you can find more affordable housing options. You can expect to pay around $300 to $500 a month for a decent apartment in these areas.Next, you’ll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to dining out and entertainment. While there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in Villa de Leyva, eating out every night can quickly add up. Instead, try cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce and ingredients. You can still enjoy the occasional night out, but try to limit it to once or twice a week to keep your expenses in check.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Villa de Leyva is a small town, so it’s easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. If you need to travel further, consider using public transportation or carpooling with friends instead of relying on taxis or renting a car.As for other expenses, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills and other monthly costs. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and be conscious of your water usage. You might also want to consider cutting back on non-essential expenses like cable TV or gym memberships.Overall, living in Villa de Leyva on $1,500 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your expenses and making some sacrifices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Colombian town,” commented an expat living in Villa de Leyva.

Can I live in Villa de Leyva on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Villa de Leyva for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month here, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to find a place to live that’s affordable but still offers the amenities you’re used to. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Villa de Leyva are El Centro and La Candelaria, so you might want to avoid those if you’re looking to save money. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like El Roble or El Bosque, which are more affordable but still offer a good quality of life.When it comes to transportation, you might have to rely more on public transportation or walking, as owning a car can be quite expensive here. The good news is that Villa de Leyva is a small town, so getting around on foot or by bus is quite easy and convenient.As for groceries and dining out, you’ll find that local markets and smaller restaurants are much more affordable than the larger supermarkets and fancier restaurants. You might have to adjust your eating habits a bit, but you’ll still be able to enjoy delicious Colombian cuisine without breaking the bank.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Villa de Leyva. You can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings by going for hikes or visiting the nearby national parks. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for little to no cost.Overall, living in Villa de Leyva on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and enjoying the local culture and natural beauty, you’ll be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful Colombian town,” said one expat living in Villa de Leyva.

Can I live in Villa de Leyva on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Villa de Leyva for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living than you’re used to, given the lower cost of living in Colombia.As for sacrifices, I haven’t had to make too many. The biggest adjustment for me was getting used to the slower pace of life here, but that’s actually been a nice change. The town is small and charming, with cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture, so it’s a lovely place to live. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep you entertained, and the surrounding countryside is stunning, with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding.In terms of neighborhoods, I’d recommend looking for a place to live in the central part of town, near the main square (Plaza Mayor). This area is a bit more expensive than the outskirts, but it’s still quite affordable compared to what you might be used to, and it’s where most of the action is. You can find a nice apartment or house for rent for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and amenities. If you’re looking for something even more affordable, you can check out neighborhoods like El Roble or La Candelaria, where you can find rentals for as low as $300 a month, but keep in mind that these areas might not have all the modern amenities you’re used to.One thing to keep in mind is that while Villa de Leyva is a popular tourist destination, it’s not a big city, so you might find that some things you’re used to having easy access to, like certain types of international cuisine or high-end shopping, might not be as readily available here. However, the town does have a good selection of grocery stores and markets where you can find most of what you need, and larger cities like Bogotá and Tunja are just a couple of hours away by car or bus if you need a taste of city life.Overall, I’ve found that living in Villa de Leyva on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite enjoyable. The cost of living is low, the quality of life is high, and the town itself is a beautiful and charming place to call home,” commented an expat living in Villa de Leyva.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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