Why Colombia is a Budget-Friendly Paradise for Expats
The cost of living in Colombia is one of the most affordable in South America, making it an attractive destination for expats. Often called the “Gateway to South America,” the vibrant Latin country offers colonial architecture and ocean vistas that evoke the Mediterranean seaside – but without the hefty price tag.
As of 2026, living in Colombia is more affordable than in the USA, Canada, and many European countries. The country’s economy has grown steadily in recent years, attracting everyone from digital nomads to retirees. Below is an overview of what they can expect to pay when they move there.
Moving to Colombia?
Get international health insurance designed for expats enjoying life in Colombia’s vibrant cities, mountain towns, and coastal communities.
If you want to live in the scenic lands of Latin America but are concerned about the cost, consider moving to Colombia. Colombia’s cost of living is not as high as that of most countries in South America.
Many foreigners from North America and Europe who move to Colombia find it easy to live comfortably without increasing their budgets.
Based on current exchange rates as of 13 May 2026, $1.00 USD is equivalent to $3,778.92 Colombian pesos. For some expats, this exchange rate means that their savings have more buying power in the country.
The next section explains the Cost of Living Index (CLI) for Colombia. The CLI is a general index that explains how the cost of living varies across countries and cities.
It uses housing, groceries, transportation, and other key expenses. This article uses Numbeo’s CLI data and is up to date as of May 2026.
Note: Numbeo’s CLI uses the number 100. It serves as a baseline for comparing the cost of living in New York City.
If a country or city has a cost of living of 110, that means it is 10% more expensive than New York City. If a country or city has a cost of living of 90, that means it is 10% less expensive than New York City.
The Cost of Living in Colombia Vs the U.S.
The current cost of living in the U.S. is 68.8, similar to the CLI of 67.8 in the United Kingdom and 63.0 in Canada.
By contrast, Colombia’s cost of living is 31.7 – significantly less expensive than the U.S., Canada, or the U.K.
Colombia is also less expensive than other South American countries, such as Uruguay (55.6), Guyana (50.4), Argentina (41.3), and Chile (39.0).
The Most Expensive and Cheapest Cities in Colombia
Colombia is one of the most affordable countries in South America, but some cities in Colombia are cheaper than others.
Here’s a closer look at how the cost of living in major cities like Cartagena, ²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ, Cali, and µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá compares to the cost of living in New York City.
Cartagena
Cartagena’s white sand beaches and cobblestone streets have made it a favorite among expats.
The city is a that features some of the best examples of 16th, 17th, and 18th-century military architecture in the world. Yet there’s more to Cartagena than its tropical climate and centuries-long history.
Expats who prefer an active lifestyle will appreciate this walkable city’s green spaces and many opportunities for boating, swimming, street cycling, and golf. Cartagena hosts several annual international film and music festivals.
The neighborhoods of Bocagrande and Manga are safe and popular with expats. The city is also home to several international schools and a high-quality healthcare system with several hospitals.
Cartagena’s cost of living index is 37.8. It’s more expensive than the national average (31.7), but much less expensive than NYC (100).
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôÃ²Ô is known as the . This popular travel destination has a mild, temperate climate. The flower and coffee farms of the striking Aburrá Valley surround it.
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ’s markets are known for their diverse selection of local cheeses. The city also hosts an annual Flower Festival and has a thriving art scene.
Its lively atmosphere and beautiful scenery have attracted a large expat community, with many foreigners moving to safe, hip neighborhoods like El Poblado.
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ’s cost of living index is 36.0, which means it’s less expensive than Cartagena but still slightly higher than the national average.
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá
The Colombian capital, µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá, is one of the country’s most charming yet modern cities. It features colorful street art and a flourishing art community. This city of 8 million people is located high in the breathtaking Andes Mountains.
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá’s green spaces, museums, colonial architecture, and friendly locals have made it one of the most popular destinations in the country.
As a result, it has a booming expat community that welcomes new immigrants. µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá’s weather is pleasant year-round, and the local healthcare system has a reputation for excellent patient outcomes.
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá’s cost of living index of 34.0 makes it a more affordable city than Cartagena and ²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ.
Relocating to ²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôÃ²Ô or µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá?
Compare international health insurance plans with access to Colombia’s top private hospitals and healthcare networks.
If you love to dance and prefer to live in a city that never sleeps, consider Cali. It’s been nicknamed both the Salsa Capital and the .
In Cali, there’s no shortage of music, dancing, nightclubs, or nightlife. Spanish, African, and indigenous cultures have influenced the flavors of the local cuisine.
No matter where you turn, you’ll find live music, colonial architecture, and scenic views of the majestic Cali River.
Cali offers a great quality of life and is home to some of the best hospitals in Colombia.
The cost of living index in Cali is 30.8, making it slightly more affordable than the national average.
The Average Cost of Living in Colombia
Colombia’s tropical location along the Caribbean Sea, as well as its low cost of living, make it a desirable place to live the expat life.
Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for housing, food, entertainment, transportation, and more in four of Colombia’s most populous cities.
Housing Costs in Colombia
Rent in Colombia costs much less than in our benchmark city, New York City, especially after factoring in expenses like utilities and WiFi.
You can expect to pay more to lease real estate in Colombia if you choose an apartment or house inside a city center.
Expense
Cartagena
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ
Cali
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá
One-bed apartment in the city center
$917
$657
$396
$543
One-bed apartment outside the city center
$449
$500
$249
$401
Three-bed apartment in the city center
$1,550
$1,288
$1,329
$1,127
Three-bed apartment outside the city center
$615
$902
$427
$813
Utilities
$155
$97
$89
$95
Internet
$27
$28
$26
$29
Food and Entertainment Costs in Colombia
This section examines the cost of dining at a restaurant. It also examines the costs of recreation, entertainment, and grocery staples.
Note that gas prices can fluctuate daily, and the prices provided below are just a snapshot in time.
Expense
Cartagena
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ
Cali
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá
Lunch for two at an inexpensive restaurant
$7
$7
$4
$7
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant
$50
$40
$32
$37
Cost of a domestic beer
$1
$2.10
$1.50
$1.60
Cost of a pair of cinema tickets
$6
$9.60
$9.60
$10.60
Cost of a gym club membership
$39
$32
$23
$27
Eggs (dozen)
$2.37
$2.46
$2.59
$2.69
Milk (1 Liter)
$1.06
$1.20
$1.40
$1.37
Chicken breast (1 kilo)
$6.69
$7.10
$5.50
$5.87
Bottle of wine (mid-range)
$17
$10
$11
$12
Rice (1 kilo)
$1.50
$1.20
$1.30
$1.30
Transportation Costs in Colombia
This is a snapshot of the average prices you can expect to pay for public transportation in Colombia. It also shows the cost of buying a car and purchasing fuel.
Expense
Cartagena
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ
Cali
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá
One-way ticket on local transit
$0.96
$0.99
$0.85
$0.93
Monthly pass for local transit
$31.40
$66.00
$25.50
$42.60
Cost to buy a new Volkswagen Golf
$23,300
$23,400
$23,900
$18,500
Cost to buy a gallon of gasoline
$4.44
$4.44
$4.40
$4.44
Education Costs in Colombia
Below is what you can expect to pay, on average, to put one child through private school in Colombia.
Expense
Cartagena
²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôòÔ
Cali
µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá
Kindergarten (monthly)
$156
$640
$249
$410
Â鶹´«Ã½AV primary school (annual)
$9,320
$7,805
$6,570
$8,400
Healthcare Costs in Colombia
Most expats prefer to move to a country where they can trust that the healthcare is affordable and high-quality.
In the World Health Organization’s 2000 global health-system ranking, Colombia’s healthcare system ranked above those of Canada, the U.S., Australia, and every other South American country.
Colombia’s healthcare system is also publicly funded. This helps keep medical costs relatively low. However, the quality and consistency of care can vary between regions and providers.
This means the medical facilities and services in large cities like µþ´Ç²µ´Ç³Ùá or ²Ñ±ð»å±ð±ô±ôÃ²Ô may differ from those in smaller cities like Manizales, Santa Marta, or Barranquilla.
Not all facilities have physicians who speak English. Moreover, wait times to see a doctor can be as long as several weeks or months.
As a result, many expats choose to purchase private health insurance in Colombia. A private plan can make it easier to access English-speaking doctors and avoid lengthy wait times.
Need Private Healthcare Access?
Explore international insurance plans that provide access to private clinics and English-speaking doctors in Colombia.
Colombia’s low cost of living has helped the country earn its place as a tempting new home for budget-conscious expats.
Even if money is not your main concern, the country offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities that appeal to adventurous foreigners and digital nomads.
One of the most important factors in any is healthcare costs. Make sure you have adequate health insurance in place before you move abroad.
Sophie Pettit is Head of Content at ICI and brings extensive experience in content strategy and management within the expat and travel space. She has led major websites across Europe and Southeast Asia and creates content that inspires readers to explore with confidence.
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