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Cost of Living in Cali

Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia · Population 2,916,790

▲ +8% vs Colombia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,798,993 ($428)
Couple, monthly$3,210,763 ($764)
Family of four, monthly$4,169,527 ($993)

Estimated Prices in Cali

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$18,673 ($4.45)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$74,693 ($17.78)per meal
Cappuccino$5,602 ($1.33)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$423,259 ($101)per month
Monthly public transport pass$68,468 ($16.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$180,508 ($42.98)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$52,285 ($12.45)per month
Fitness club membership$52,285 ($12.45)per month
Cinema ticket$13,694 ($3.26)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$796,538 ($190)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$554,113 ($132)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,662,339 ($396)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cali is $2,394,000 ($570) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,798,993 ($428) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,338,691 ($557) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($554,113 ($132)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cali

Cali vs BogotáCali vs MedellínCali vs BarranquillaCali vs CartagenaCali vs BucaramangaCali vs Cúcuta

Nearby Cities

Yumbo

16 km away · Valle del Cauca

Candelaria

20 km away · Valle del Cauca

Jamundí

20 km away · Valle del Cauca

La Cumbre

24 km away · Valle del Cauca

Puerto Tejada

26 km away · Cauca

Palmira

27 km away · Valle del Cauca

Vijes

30 km away · Valle del Cauca

Villa Rica

30 km away · Cauca

Other Major Cities in Colombia

Bogotá

Bogotá · pop. 10,085,000

$2,072,575 ($493) / mo

Medellín

Antioquia · pop. 2,529,403

$1,798,993 ($428) / mo

Barranquilla

Atlántico · pop. 1,326,588

$1,798,993 ($428) / mo

Cartagena

Bolívar · pop. 914,552

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Bucaramanga

Santander · pop. 893,040

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Cúcuta

Norte de Santander · pop. 806,378

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Villavicencio

Meta · pop. 664,148

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Pereira

Risaralda · pop. 590,554

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Living in Cali

Cali is one of the key cities in Colombia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,798,993 ($428), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $554,113 ($132) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $4,169,527 ($993) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,210,763 ($764) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cali is $2,394,000 ($570). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,338,691 ($557) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cali expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,798,993 ($428) per month in Cali including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Colombia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cali?
A net salary of around $2,338,691 ($557) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cali with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cali is $2,394,000 ($570).
How much is rent in Cali?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $796,538 ($190) per month in the city centre and $554,113 ($132) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,662,339 ($396).
Is Cali cheaper than Colombia on average?
No — Cali is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Colombia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Cali?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $423,259 ($101) in Cali. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $18,673 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $5,602 ($1).
How do transport costs in Cali compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cali is estimated at $68,468 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cali are estimates based on Colombia national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,916,790). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.