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Cost of Living in San Carlos

San Carlos, Antioquia, Colombia · Population 14,480

▼ -16% vs Colombia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,395,154 ($332)
Couple, monthly$2,482,409 ($591)
Family of four, monthly$3,216,422 ($766)

Estimated Prices in San Carlos

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$14,742 ($3.51)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$58,968 ($14.04)per meal
Cappuccino$4,423 ($1.05)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$334,152 ($79.56)per month
Monthly public transport pass$54,054 ($12.87)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$142,506 ($33.93)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$41,278 ($9.83)per month
Fitness club membership$41,278 ($9.83)per month
Cinema ticket$10,811 ($2.57)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$592,759 ($141)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$412,354 ($98.18)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,237,063 ($295)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Carlos is $1,890,000 ($450) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,395,154 ($332) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,813,700 ($432) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($412,354 ($98)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Carlos

San Carlos vs BogotáSan Carlos vs CaliSan Carlos vs MedellínSan Carlos vs BarranquillaSan Carlos vs CartagenaSan Carlos vs Bucaramanga

Nearby Cities

San Rafael

13 km away · Antioquia

Guatapé

19 km away · Antioquia

Granada

22 km away · Antioquia

Cocorná

26 km away · Antioquia

El Peñol

28 km away · Nariño

Santuario

31 km away · Antioquia

San Roque

33 km away · Antioquia

Santo Domingo

37 km away · Antioquia

Other Major Cities in Colombia

Bogotá

Bogotá · pop. 10,085,000

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

Cali

Valle del Cauca · pop. 2,916,790

$1,798,993 ($428) / 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

Living in San Carlos

San Carlos is one of the key cities in Colombia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,395,154 ($332), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $412,354 ($98) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,216,422 ($766) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,482,409 ($591) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in San Carlos is $1,890,000 ($450). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,813,700 ($432) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Carlos expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,395,154 ($332) per month in San Carlos including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Colombia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Carlos?
A net salary of around $1,813,700 ($432) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Carlos with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Carlos is $1,890,000 ($450).
How much is rent in San Carlos?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $592,759 ($141) per month in the city centre and $412,354 ($98) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,237,063 ($295).
Is San Carlos cheaper than Colombia on average?
Yes — San Carlos is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Colombia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in San Carlos?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $334,152 ($80) in San Carlos. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14,742 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $4,423 ($1).
How do transport costs in San Carlos compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Carlos is estimated at $54,054 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Carlos are estimates based on Colombia national averages adjusted for city size (population 14,480). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.