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Cost of Living in Colombia

739 cities covered · Currency: COP ($) · Capital: Bogotá

Single person, monthly$1,663,461 ($396)
Couple, monthly$2,966,059 ($706)
Family of four, monthly$3,849,067 ($916)
Average net salary$2,226,000 ($530)

Average Prices in Colombia

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$17,363 ($4.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$69,451 ($16.54)per meal
Cappuccino$5,209 ($1.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$393,557 ($93.70)per month
Monthly public transport pass$63,664 ($15.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$167,840 ($39.96)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$48,616 ($11.58)per month
Fitness club membership$48,616 ($11.58)per month
Cinema ticket$12,733 ($3.03)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$727,290 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$505,941 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,517,822 ($361)per month

Major Cities in Colombia

Bogotá

Bogotá · pop. 10,085,000

Cali

Valle del Cauca · pop. 2,916,790

Medellín

Antioquia · pop. 2,529,403

Barranquilla

Atlántico · pop. 1,326,588

Cartagena

Bolívar · pop. 914,552

Bucaramanga

Santander · pop. 893,040

Cúcuta

Norte de Santander · pop. 806,378

Villavicencio

Meta · pop. 664,148

Pereira

Risaralda · pop. 590,554

Bello

Antioquia · pop. 561,955

Ibagué

Tolima · pop. 546,003

Valledupar

Cesar · pop. 544,134

Soacha

Cundinamarca · pop. 522,442

Santa Marta

Magdalena · pop. 505,915

Manizales

Caldas · pop. 454,494

Buenaventura

Valle del Cauca · pop. 423,927

Pasto

Nariño · pop. 410,835

Montería

Córdoba · pop. 400,000

Neiva

Huila · pop. 380,019

Palmira

Valle del Cauca · pop. 358,895

Fontibón

Bogotá · pop. 317,179

Usme

Bogotá · pop. 314,431

Armenia

Quindío · pop. 301,226

Popayán

Cauca · pop. 300,837

Cheapest Cities in Colombia

CimitarraMaría la BajaAgustín CodazziSamaniegoMarinillaEl TamboLa VegaSan Andrés de SotaventoLa Jagua de IbiricoSan GilFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Colombia

Bogotá vs Cali

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Colombia

Bogotá vs Medellín

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Colombia

Cali vs Barranquilla

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Colombia

Medellín vs Barranquilla

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Colombia

Cost of Living by City Size in Colombia

Living costs in Colombia vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $1,663,461 ($396) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Colombia?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Colombia is $1,663,461 ($396), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly $3,849,067 ($916) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Colombia?
Cimitarra ranks among the most affordable cities in Colombia with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Colombia?
The estimated average net salary in Colombia is $2,226,000 ($530) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Colombia derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.