South America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Colombia
The average cost of living in Colombia ranges from $486 per month in Cali to $789 per month in Medellin, with a median monthly basket of $687 for a single person. We track 4 cities in Colombia.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Colombia at a glance | Headline numbers across 4 cities. |
| Cities in Colombia | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about Colombia | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
4
Median monthly · single
$687
Average cost index
14.5
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Medellin /
Cali
Browse cities
4 cities shown
About cost of living in Colombia
- How expensive is Colombia?
- Colombia has 4 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Cali is among the most affordable, while Medellin ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in Colombia?
- Budget anywhere from $486 per month in Cali (the cheapest tracked city) to $789 per month in Medellin (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in Colombia?
- Cali typically offers the lowest cost of living in Colombia, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in Colombia has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for Colombia up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.