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Cost of Living in Santa María

Santa María, Huila, Colombia · Population 10,215

▼ -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 Santa María

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 Santa María 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 Santa María

Santa María vs BogotáSanta María vs CaliSanta María vs MedellínSanta María vs BarranquillaSanta María vs CartagenaSanta María vs Bucaramanga

Nearby Cities

Palermo

18 km away · Huila

Teruel

22 km away · Huila

Planadas

29 km away · Tolima

Yaguará

31 km away · Huila

Íquira

33 km away · Huila

Neiva

33 km away · Huila

Campoalegre

40 km away · Huila

Rivera

41 km away · Huila

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 Santa María

Santa María 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 Santa María 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 Santa María expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,395,154 ($332) per month in Santa María 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 Santa María?
A net salary of around $1,813,700 ($432) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa María with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa María is $1,890,000 ($450).
How much is rent in Santa María?
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 Santa María cheaper than Colombia on average?
Yes — Santa María 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 Santa María?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $334,152 ($80) in Santa María. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14,742 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $4,423 ($1).
How do transport costs in Santa María compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa María is estimated at $54,054 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa María are estimates based on Colombia national averages adjusted for city size (population 10,215). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.