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Nearly 6 million pesos

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noelstreet
  3/16/2018 19:28 EST

Is that enough to live a comfortable lifestyle in Cali, Colombia? I already have a lady friend who is a Calena.

WhoaNellie
  3/16/2018 20:04 EST

I assume you mean 6 million COP per month.

Yes, you can be comfortable in Cali on that. You won't be rich but you'll still be better off than probably 90% of caleños. I guess in their eyes you will be considered rich, though...just because you're a gringo.

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WhoaNellie
  3/16/2018 20:14 EST

Cali is the cheapest of the big cities - both in what people make, and what costs are.

Here is a link from December 2017 that shows the average salary considering all of Colombia, of professionals and overall.

http://www.eltiempo.com/economia/finanzas-personales/el-salario-promedio-de-los-profesionales-en-colombia-160696

tubes
  3/16/2018 21:31 EST

You don't say where you are coming from so it is hard to estimate what equates to your 'comfortable lifestyle'.
If you can live like a typical Colombian then 6 million pesos a month is plenty, but if you need a large flat with air conditioning, domestic help, a car, and do a lot of travelling, then it could be tight.

cccmedia
  3/16/2018 21:56 EST

6 million Colombian pesos is about $2,100 US based on the current exchange rate.

Cali222
  3/16/2018 22:41 EST

With 6 million pesos a month you could live very comfortably,,, example living ina gated appartment in 5 estrato. Would run about 1 million pesos a month , utilities 550 a month food 500. .transport.100 a month in mio the local transport system,..there’s not really a need for a car here, taxis from north to south run about 25 mill.and that’s a long distance, depending on your age health insurance would run about 200a month and the service is excellent.clothes a 100 mill pesos a month,a nice meal in a resturant from 50 to 100, I go with groupon and have found excellent deals.celluar plan runs about 40 mill a month.sorry just reading what I wrote , rent would be 1 million then 70 water 70 a month gas 25 administration would be included in your rent I guess, tv house phone internet with Movistar 110 a month if you smoke 5:5 mill pesos a packet, rum viejos de caldas38 a bottle. Aguardiente 33 mill .cinema 15 if you go a Tuesday wedensday it’s half price. The secret is to live like a lo Alan adapt to the culture with your income you could live extremely well. God luck any questions please feel free to ask.

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noelstreet
  3/17/2018 02:27 EST

Could a family of 2 live well on around 6 million pesos a month we would prefer a one bedroom apartment furnished. It will just for me and my wife. I do not need a car as I have a great uber driver, who also happens to be a good friend thank you,Joe Mancini

ponymalta
  3/17/2018 04:20 EST

I don't know about Cali, or your lifestyle, but in Medellin outside Gringo heaven downtown , you definitely should be able to live quite well two people on a budget of 6 million pesos. 1 million pesos for three bedroom with 24 hour security, swimming pool gym etc. 700,000 pesos for food and eating out on the weekend ( could do for as low as 400,000 pesos per month if eating out in local simple restaurants, and not buying Gringo diet). Utilities all in including internet and cell phones , if you are careful 200,000 pesos. maid 4 hours a day a day 6 days a week, 400,,000 pesos a month.

Bus to metro 1,000 to 2000 pesos. I dont know about cost of having a car.

If budget of 6 million pesos my guess would be consider 3 million pesos the budget, and 3 million for travel and special items during the year including saving a bit of a reserve for medical expenses.

ouzool
  3/17/2018 13:21 EST

Ya 6 million a month will definitely support a family of 2 comfortably in Cali.

SkyMan
  3/17/2018 14:00 EST

"already have a lady friend"...That seems to be the best advertising that Colombia has...to attract male expats. It works & the government of Colombia pays zero for the advertising. What a deal ! Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

LaPiranha
  3/17/2018 20:26 EST

I'm getting a little confused here, just looking at some of NoelStreets posts .....

Some of them say he has a lady friend, some say he has a wife.

Some say he is in San Antonio, Cali, some say he isn't. But if he is in San Antonio, he should know what the cost of living is like there, and the crime, and the restaurants, and whether he can live on 6 million pesos a month. He actually says he knows how easy it is to find work there, knows that he can live well on his retirement of 6 million a month. He told us.

But he asks the same question over and over again, on so many different threads.


Some Forum Posts:

Colombia: Nearly 6 million pesos:

Is that enough to live a comfortable lifestyle in Cali, Colombia? I already have a lady friend who is a Calena.

Colombia: Your Monthly Budget:

I am in the neighborhood San Antonio in Cali Colombia. Could I live well off of 6 million pesos a month.

Colombia: Are their good american italian and colombian restaurants i the Barrio San Antonio:

I seek a restaurant that serves American, Italian and Colombia food in my Barrio San Antonio for places to eat that are nice and safe. Italian food, American food and Colombian food.? If so, please help us. Respectfully, Joe Mancini

Colombia: Is Cali that crime ridden?:

I am going down to visit someone I have known for years here on the internet. She lives in Cali. We will be staying at a place I am renting that I found on AirBnb. In Barrio San Antonio. Any information about the city would be greatly appreciated. I don't plan on being out late. Like, I will be home before 7:30 p.m.

Colombia: Retirement in Colombia: the decision-making process:

I like Colombia for the following reasons; 1) Variety of climates 2) If you have teaching experience and speak Spanish work is easy to find 3) I can live well off of my retirement, around 6 million pesos 4) the people there are real nice.

Colombia: cali is a happening town:

Aside from the heat, what is best way to find a place to live there in Cali. My retirement is $2000 monthly. Thank you, have a great day. JRM

Colombia: Budget:

Can my Colombian wife and I live well in Cali on 5,700,000.00 pesos each month? That is my pension from the states. Thanks everybody. We have no children. Just us 2. Also, any direction to find a nice place to life in Cali would help

Colombia: US restrictions begin on Colombian visas:

Lets just hope the republican control of house and senate back the president. I would love to have him post on his twitter account the names of all the republicans who didn't back him on everything

Colombia: Best place to live on $2000 monthly?:

I have $2000 (actually $2350 just trying to save some for emergency). My amiga lives in Cali., while I am looking at Medellin. Any advice on best place to live. that will put me in a safe and quiet neighborhood in either city.We seek a quite and safe barrior. Another post said my bills will be as follows.

Colombia: Living in Sta Marta on U.S.Soc.Sec.:

You mentioned tthat St Marta isn't feasible. then you say aomething regardin 5,000 feet. Can you please clear? Thanks, Joe

Colombia: Renting in Cali:

What is nicest/safest part of Cali to stay for 30 days. I am looking into renting a furnished apartment. My monthly stipend is $2000. Thank you

Colombia: Seniors, are you paying attention to U.S. politics?:

Closely, if he survives politcally for 100 days and gets some of the things he promised done then I will stay home longer. If not, I am on my way to Colombia. Either Cali or Medellin. My retirement check is $2000. From what I have studied I can live well off of that amount.

Colombia: Reality Check Please:

My retirement check is around $2000. Would that be sufficient for the two of us, my lady friend (Colombiana in Cali) and myself. Thanks.

Colombia: How much for nice life in Cali.:

I plan to retire to Cali. My check is around 2 thousand a month. Is this sufficient? I don't need a perfect house/apartment. Just some place to sleep. Thanks, have a great weekend, what remains, Joe Mancini

Colombia: Cedula:

Where on the web can I go to find out what the numbers on my cedula mean? Thanks

Philippines: Hello my new friends:

Could I live well on 2000 dollars a month in the phillipines? Thanks have a nice day

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We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

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WhoaNellie
  3/17/2018 20:38 EST

LP thanks for the heads-up - I looked at some threads - he first asked this question about Cali on 10/1/2016, a year and a half ago...and he received numerous answers.

He's been asking the same questions for at least a year and a half. Either he's got Alzheimer's or we're being played...

joenancy
  3/18/2018 09:04 EST

I got a b.s. feeling when I read this also. I think he is trying to impress with 6 million peso number. I am sure you can live with that here in Colombia. But, I have cars,home, finca all paid for and I spend more than that. Joe

scumbuster
  3/18/2018 09:21 EST

Anyone wanting to compare can get a rough idea here.
http://colombiaconnection.freeforums.net/

scumbuster
  3/19/2018 09:24 EST

Sorry... Copied the wrong page...
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

noelstreet
  8/11/2018 18:02 EST

Thank you

noelstreet
  8/11/2018 18:05 EST

I am a retired Spanish professor. I am 59 years old, in good health. Can you recommend a good health care organization? Thanks again, JRM

LaPiranha
  8/11/2018 19:34 EST

Maybe your wife/girlfriend/friend might know, as she is a Caleno? No?

(Sorry, but I'm not sure what to call her. In fact, you don't seem to know either.)

Still confused.

Felipe58
  8/11/2018 19:56 EST

noelstreet get into EPS with SURA and take out the complementary Plan, still cheaper than a PHP, and excellent cover. If you wait much longer you will be too old to join, the EPS payment covers you and your wife, but the Comp Plan is individual.

noelstreet
  8/11/2018 20:01 EST

Thank you Felipe

SkyMan
  8/12/2018 14:44 EST

noel.....yes, in Cali you can definitely live on those pesos per month. It all depends upon your chosen "lifestyle".
If you like partying till the wee hours in the bars, etc. it will bump up the cost of your monthly pesos a lot. Really,,,just think of how you live now & if that is indeed the lifestyle you want in Cali...the posters have given you some quite accurate information. But...you mentioned a lady friend...which most posters will tell you that adds on the monthly costs, again...depending upon your lifestyle together. And does she have a child/kids ? That adds up also. Any kids of college age ?

There are many variables in living one's life anywhere...especially in a new country, that you are moving to. Again...just think lifestyle. Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

noelstreet
  8/12/2018 15:13 EST

I eat out 3 days a week, at home 4. I have no car. We have no children. Nor do we plan on having any.

warrencali
  8/12/2018 15:18 EST

I lived in Cali from July to Nov last year. You will be able to live comfortably on 6 million a month. I ate out most of the time. I also had a girlfriend staying with me.

noelstreet
  8/12/2018 15:21 EST

Thank you Warren

lpdiver
  8/13/2018 12:06 EST

What is the source of the income? IF for example it is US dollars, I suggest this. Do a five year trend on the exchange rate and reask if you can live well on 3.5 million pesos.

LPd

lpdiver
  8/13/2018 12:06 EST

What is the source of the income? IF for example it is US dollars, I suggest this. Do a five year trend on the exchange rate and reask if you can live well on 3.5 million pesos.

LPd

rodneyedwards
  8/14/2018 21:44 EST

TODAY THE PESO WAS RIGHT AT 332 DOLLARS PR A MILLION PESOS SO TODAY 6 MILLION IS RIGHT AT 2K IF YOUR BUYING A HOUSE AND YOUR USING DOLLARS HANG ON YOUR MAKING CLOSE TO A GRAND ON A GOOD DAY IF YOUR IN THE 7 TO 8 HUNDRED MILLION RANGE

lpdiver
  8/15/2018 08:10 EST

Not really sure what you are trying to say with your advice, can you expand on your post without the CAPS??

Andresen
  8/15/2018 08:19 EST

What caps? I don't see any caps. I don't see any freakin' caps!

19naia
  8/15/2018 14:06 EST

Wow. I had a hard time spending up to 3 million pesos a month, in Cali area.
Of course i did not live it up but i made sure i was comfortable. Especially with always having good food, living near everything i needed, so a can do walking rather than riding around. Better to walk around when no job or demanding activities to keep me in shape while eating well, sleeping leisurely and taking it easy at will.
I try to minimize junk food and do lots of fruit.
I think i was more around 2 million or a little less per month, all by myself.
I was cheap on the lodging but it worked for me and was in an area comfortable enough for me among the locals. They keep the streets clean and manicured, and i was not missing anything.

I think with 3 million a month, i could feed two, upgrade my dwelling to more style and comfort, and the other 3 million would be enough to work in medical, transport, some extra fun and a decent amount of savings.

I tend to feel more comfortable living just comfortable enough, eating well and having savings grow and be there for the out of the ordinary surprise needs.
Even with transport, i feel more comfortable seeing savings in the bank than a mercedes or any car in the driveway.
I value walking for vital exercise to stay physically viable for a comfortable life.
Nothing like having all the comforts in the world, only to grow so obese and out of shape that just being in my own body is an uncomfortable chore. Not the life for me.

I seriously struggle to spend more than 2.5 million a month as cost of living and i could easily get away with living off of 5 million a month.
I just satisfy easily with a healthy, simple and clean setup in life and don’t like the uptight feeling of rich people always uneasy about evrybody else and i don’t like being uneasy over having all the luxuries i don’t realy need and then sweating over security.

I don’t pay for medical but i pay for a return trip to USA twice a year, where i have medical coverage and other resources.
I rather have savings that allow flexible options in time of unexpected need, rather than always have the nicest stuff under the illusion that i have it all taken care off.

Of course i don’t settle in one place either. I stay based in USA with places in two states there, but spend more than 90% of my time outside of USA migrating seasonally across several countries.
Following the good weather helps my health as well as lots of cheap tropical fruits and veggies to eat.

peggyjune
  8/15/2018 14:52 EST

19naia - good response and good information, as person considering to move to Colombia. Of course, we all have our own "standard", I think most of us like the simple life that is possible. I am coming to Colombia in November, for my "scouting trip" - Cartagena and Santa Marta, it seems a bit more expensive to live by the sea. However, I love the Caribbean Sea - so I will have to see what is possible.

cccmedia
  8/16/2018 01:58 EST

Caps aside, for anyone (LPDiver, for instance) having trouble following Rodney's arbitrage post, I offer the following.

1. On Expat forums the exchange rate for Colombian pesos is traditionally expressed in 1 USD units.

For instance, per xe.com, at the moment the rate is 3,049 pesos to the dollar.

2. Rodney's comment on how much one is earning in a day via exchange rate is based on the false concept that future currency movements are predictable. As has been said elsewhere, past performance is not predictive of future results.

cccmedia

KCM210
  8/16/2018 09:20 EST

I have been living in Cali for almost 2 years now and my costs are approximately as follows:

4 bedroom house in estrata 4-1300 Cop per month
Utilities (electricity, gas, water) - 400 Cop
Cellular - 80
House Internet and tv - 100
Food and house supplies (variable but we are a family of 5) 1000
Taxis/über (daily use) - 500
Entertainment- variable - 300
Medical insurance - 100

It should be very easy for a family of two to live on 6000 per month.

WhoaNellie
  8/16/2018 10:26 EST

KCM210, surely you have dropped a few zeros in your costs.

Utilities 400 COP? That's only 0.13 USD, 13 cents.

Did you leave off 3 zeros?

Elexpatriado
  8/16/2018 10:53 EST

https://youtu.be/452XjnaHr1A

KCM210
  8/16/2018 15:14 EST

Of course I dropped three zero's! A four bedroom house in estrata 4 for 50cents USD (more or less) a month???

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