Cost of Living in Colombia

"The exact and precise answer is...that depends. Do you prefer city life or country living? How many in the family? how's your health? Do you think you'll need a car? I have more than $1500.00 (USD) but I could live on it no problemo. I'm single, have no need for a car because my neighborhood is pretty much self contained and walkable. 1500 bucks translated into COP would still be far more than the average person earns here," remarked one in Colombia.

"Living in Colombia is typically cheaper than living in the United States. Things like groceries, gas and utilities generally cost less than they would in the States. Rent is also usually much lower. Even with the cost of living being lower, Colombia still offers many of the same comforts as the United States and is a great option for anyone looking to save some money," said one person in Colombia.

"We easily live on our combined Social Security, and that was our goal. Since we signed up for the National health insurance, we were able to cancel our Medicare costs and supplements. That saved us over $500 per month," remarked one expat in Medellin.

"TOTALLY EXCEEDED my expectations. We have been able to do SO MUCH in Colombia, that we would NEVER be able to do here in the states. We actually have a 5th floor Penthouse, 3 Bedroom/2Bath, overlooking the mountains, for a mere $225 US Dollars. Totally renovated... we are the first to reside there. Unheard of here in the States," explained one expat living in Cali.

"Equivalent housing to the USA, what cost in Seattle $6 dollars, cost $1 in the area. take your pick. A $1.2 million home in Seattle costs $200,000. A $500,000 dollar home about $80,000," remarked one expat in Cartago.

"I lived in Roldanillo in the north of the Valle del Cauca for a year in a secure conjunto. The house was less than 5 years old, with 2 stories, 2 bedrooms, a study, and a bathroom upstairs; Kitchen, dining/living room, half-bath, and laundry area, downstairs. In front was a parking space, partly covered, for one car. The conjunto has 24/7 security, a swimming pool, hot tub, and playground, and is located just outside of the edge of town, about a kilometer from the city center. So, the cost was 500,000 per month, including the administration fee. At today's exchange rate of 4562.8 pesos per dollar, the cost is US$109.58. And, Roldanillo is a very nice little town of around 35,000 and had been mentioned in the news some years back as being one of the safest towns in Colombia. If I decide to return to and live in Colombia the only place I would live is in Rolda (I lived in eight different towns/cities in 9+ years in Colombia)," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Colombia typically ranges from around $400 to $1,000 USD per month. The rental cost for a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Colombia is usually slightly higher, with prices ranging from approximately $600 to $1,500 USD per month," commented one expat who moved to Colombia.

"Rental properties in Colombia typically come with essential household appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and oven, washing machine and dryer, and hot water heater. They may also include common home furnishings such as a sofa, beds, dining table and chairs, and sometimes basic electronics and kitchenware. Some higher-end rentals may also include air-conditioning units or a dishwasher," wrote an expat living in Colombia.