Believe it or not, Columbia has become a much more attractive and safer place to live for those considering moving abroad.
Currently, it remains one of the most affordable places to live in the world.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in the U.S. and even Canada.
Of course, it will take some time to think about where in Colombia to move.
This guide was put together to help you determine some of the most affordable cities in Colombia to live in based on cost of living, social activities, and more.
11 Cheapest Places to Live in Colombia
1. Bogotá
Approximately 8 million people live in Bogotá.
It’s considered one of, if not the cheapest, cities to live in Colombia.
The cost of living for one person living in Bogotá can range anywhere between $528 and $700 per month, not including rent.
Moreover, Bogotá is almost 70% cheaper compared to the cost of living in New York.
So, if you love larger cities, Bogotá may be the perfect location to live.
Besides the cost of living, Bogotá is a town that is full of exciting job opportunities, so you won’t have to worry about not finding a job.
Top attractions in Bogotá include the Gold Museum, Plaza de Bolivar, Museo Nacional de Colombia, and Monserrate.
2. Medellín
Medellín, Colombia, is another one of the cheapest places to live.
While much smaller compared to Bogotá, it’s still a popular town, with nearly 3.7 million residents living in it.
Medellín is located in the central region of the country and is surrounded by the Andes Mountains.
A family of four living in Medellín can live comfortably off $1,909 per month, not including rent.
One person can live off $541 per month, not including rent.
Overall, the cost of living in Medellín is 67.7% cheaper than in New York.
Currently, Medellín is a hip, modern town that attracts many people from all over the world.
In addition, Medellín has one of the best metro systems in South America.
But what about things to do in Medellín?
If you choose Medellín as your new home, check out Aquarium Medellín, Memory House Museum, and Pueblito Paisa.
3. Barranquilla
Nearly 1.2 million people live in Barranquilla.
It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in Colombia.
It’s located on the Caribbean coast and nearly 2 hours from Santa Marta.
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four living in Barranquilla is around $1,642, excluding rent.
One person can live comfortably on $484 per month.
In addition, Barranquilla is 70.7% cheaper compared to New York.
Barranquilla is well known for hosting an annual carnival that attracts many tourists from around the world.
It’s an ideal location for those looking for a town that has excellent infrastructure, amazing food, medical care, and transportation.
For those looking for something fun to do in Barranquilla, check out Gran Malecon, Zoologico de Barranquilla, Viva Shopping Mall, and Museo Mapuka.
4. Cali
Cali also made the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Colombia.
Just about 2.4 million people live in Cali.
Cali is located in the southwest region of the country.
Besides affordability, Cali has a great reputation.
Food is also inexpensive, as you’ll find plenty of fresh meat and produce.
A family of four living in Cali will spend an average of $1,794 per month on expenses, not including rent.
One person can live off $510 per month.
Overall, Cali is 67.9% cheaper to live in compared to New York.
Top attractions in Cali include Zoologico de Cali, Iglesia de San Antonio, El Gato del Rio, and Eco Park Lake Las Garzas.
5. Pasto
Pasto also made the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Colombia.
The average cost of living in Pasto is $1,187 per month but can be as high as $2,000 per month, depending on where in the city you live.
One person can live comfortably on $381 per month in Cali, not including rent.
A family may spend around $699 in expenses, not including rent, every month.
Pasto is known for being the capital of the department of Narino.
Pasto is located in the southern area of the country.
It’s a city that is well known for having beautiful buildings and churches.
Top sights in Pasto include Plazza de Narino, Museo Taminango, Laguna de la Cocha, and Museo del Oro.
6. Bucaramanga
Compared to the other cities on this list, Bucaramanga is much smaller, with nearly 525,000 people living in it.
However, it’s also known for offering affordable living.
It’s a city located in the north-central part of the country.
A family can live off $1,147 per month, excluding rent.
On average, it costs around $650 to live in the city.
The average studio may cost you as little as $275 per month in rent.
There are many things to do in Bucaramanga, such as Agua Park, Cacique Shopping Center, La Casa del Libro Total, and La Flora Ecological Park.
7. Salento
Next on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Columbia is Salento.
The overall cost of living in Salento is around $1,742 per month.
One person living in Salento will spend around $732 per month without rent, while a family will spend around $887 per month on expenses.
Salento is a smaller town in the country and is well known for having coffee plantations and amazing landscapes.
It provides more of a slow-paced lifestyle for those who are looking for it.
Rent in Salento costs around $393 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
There are also plenty of entertainment options in Salento to enjoy, including Calle Real, Valle de Cocora, Mirador Alto de la Cruz, and Mirador de Salento.
8. Cartagena
Just about 970,000 people live in Cartagena.
Cartagena is located along the Caribbean coast and in the northern part of the country.
Not only is it a town that is affordable, but it’s also ideal for those who love music, history, art, and culture.
There are plenty of beaches to enjoy nearby.
The average rent paid for a three-bedroom apartment in the city can range anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per month.
There are also several attractions to enjoy in Cartagena, including the Monumento Torree del Reloj, the Museo del Oro Zenu, the Plaza de Santa Domingo, and Las Bovedas.
9. Santa Marta
Santa Marta also made the list of cities offering affordable living in Colombia.
Santa Marta is full of amazing beaches and bays, ideal for those who love water sports.
Nearly 500,000 people live in Santa Marta. It’s not too far from Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Renting a three-bedroom apartment can range anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per month.
There are also some other things to enjoy in Santa Marta besides the water.
Check out the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Acuario Mundo Marino, and Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.
10. Armenia
Consider adding Armenia to your list of affordable places to move to in Colombia.
Armenia is also referred to as the miracle city due to its rapid development.
The overall cost of living is about $892 per month.
Armenia is located just 180 miles west of Bogotá.
Nearly 295,208 people live in Armenia.
The cost of renting in Armenia is 35% cheaper compared to the rest of the country.
So, if you’re living on a budget, this is a great place to live.
Renting in Armenia costs anywhere between $400 and $755 per month.
However, the amount you pay will vary depending on whether you live outside or inside the city center.
Several top attractions in Armenia include Khor Virap Monastery, Republic Square, Matenadaran, and Vernissage.
11. Villa de Leyva
Last on the list for affordable living in Colombia is Vella de Leyva.
Villa de Leyva is located within Boyaca and is a favorite among many.
It’s home to nearly 16,984 residents and is located just 22 miles from Tunja.
The overall cost of living in Vella de Leyva is around $940 a month.
Overall, the city is considerably safer.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in the city is around $355 per month.
A three-bedroom apartment costs around $665 per month.
For entertainment purposes, check out Villa de Leyva Main Square, Casa Terracota, and the Paleontological Research Center.
Colombia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Colombia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall cost of living in Colombia?
For a family of four living in Colombia, the cost of living is estimated to be around $1,773 per month, not including rent.
One person can live comfortably for around $509 per month, excluding rent.
Is it cheaper to live in Colombia than in the United States?
Yes, it is cheaper to live in Colombia than in the U.S.
The United States is 135% more expensive compared to Colombia.
In addition, Colombia is 63.8% cheaper to live in than the United States.
How much is the average rent in Colombia?
The average rent paid, depending on where you live in Colombia, can range anywhere between $213 and $256 for a one-bedroom.
For two-bedroom apartments, the rent can average anywhere between $533 and $640 per month.
However, if you live in Cartagena or other coastal cities in the country, rent can range anywhere between $320 and $960 for a studio.
