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Cost of living in Bogota: Food, transport, and more
Everything you want to know about the cost of living in Bogota is in this guide, with all the details you need.
Planning a stay in Colombia’s capital and wondering about the cost of living in Bogota? This guide will give you practical tips and price insights to help you enjoy your time in the city.
You will get an overview of housing costs, medical expenses, public transportation and, if you prefer, private transport. You will also find a breakdown of food prices, entertainment options, and even the cost of buying a new car.
You’ll find this and more, so stick around until the end and discover the approximate cost of living in Bogota.
Average cost of accommodation in Bogota
In Bogota, you will find a wide range of accommodation options to match your preferences and budget. The places and alternatives we highlight have been selected based on the services they offer, the safety of the area, and other factors we consider important for a comfortable stay.
Next, we will break down the costs for each type of accommodation in areas such as Chapinero Alto, Usaquen, and Parque de la 93 in the northern part of the Colombian capital. And if you want to learn more about the best neighborhoods in Bogota, be sure to check out our full guide.
These areas offer easy access to public transportation and the city’s main roads. You will also find all the essentials for daily life, including shops, supermarkets, hospitals, shopping centers, and gyms.
3-4 star hotel
Hotels provide a comfortable option for a short stay in the city, with nightly rates ranging from $30 to $75. At that price, you can expect a comfortable room, often with breakfast included, Wi-Fi access, daily housekeeping, a gym, and in some cases additional amenities such as coworking areas or spa facilities.
Depending on the area you choose, you will be closer to tourist attractions such as museums, parks, bars, restaurants, and lively streets. Location also affects how easy it is to use public transportation, especially if you prefer not to rely on taxis or private ride services like Uber or DiDi.
AirBnB
If you want more independence and to experience the city’s neighborhoods, this option is ideal, as you can find furnished houses or apartments in safe areas of Bogota.
Nightly rates usually range from $40 to $60. If you prefer a monthly rental, prices can go up to around $1,200, depending on the area where your accommodation is located.
This option gives you a space entirely under your control, where you can cook, handle your own cleaning, and enjoy a bit more freedom. Of course, you still need to follow the rules set by the hosts and the building where the apartment is located.
Colivings in Bogota
If you are a digital nomad or planning to study in Bogota, a coliving space can make life easier, as everything is designed to let you live, work, or study comfortably in one place.
On one hand, you get a shared space with people who have similar interests, and on the other, coliving arrangements usually come with more flexible rental agreements compared to houses or studios.
In a coliving space in Bogota, you’ll have a private or shared room, access to common areas like game rooms, coworking spaces, shared kitchens, gyms, and on site social events. Utilities are included, and the Wi-Fi is reliable for work.
Rental prices start at around $200 per month in popular, safe neighborhoods with all essential services nearby, and can go up to $600 per month in more residential and secure areas.
Cost of food
Food in Bogota offers a variety of shopping options, from local corner stores and city markets to large supermarket chains where you can find both local and imported products.
This list will give you a clearer idea of what some traditional Bogota foods might cost. To provide a useful reference, we’ve used the Chilean chain Jumbo Cencosud, which operates in the city.
- Pasta (500g): $0.95
- Eggs (30 AA): $4.10
- Whole milk (900ml bag/liter): $1.50
- Beef 500g: $3.70
- Chicken (whole breast, approx. 1kg): $5
- Coffee (traditional ground, 500g): $11
- Chocolate (500g): $5
- Laundry detergent (4kg): $15
- Toilet paper (12 rolls): $7.28
Cost of eating out in Bogota
Bogota’s restaurants are diverse, offering a wide range of dishes and prices. You can find everything from international cuisine to local fast food. Here’s a look at what it might cost.
- Breakfast: At a local bakery, it could cost you between $3 and $4.
- Lunch: At a mid-range restaurant, a meal with soup, a main course, and a drink could cost you between $6 and $8.
- Dinner: At a mid-range restaurant, a dish could cost between $4 and $6.
All prices are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as the location of the restaurant, the dish, and your eating habits.
Transportation prices in Bogota
Bogota has a variety of transportation options, including public buses, ride-hailing services, taxis, and the TransMiCable for the higher-altitude neighborhoods. The city also has an extensive network of bike lanes that stretch from east to west and north to south, which locals use every day.
SITP
The bus system is called SITP – Integrated Public Transport System – which connects the city’s regular buses, running through mixed lanes and neighborhoods, with the TransMilenio system, which has strategically placed stations and dedicated lanes for its bus fleet.
Transportation in Bogota costs $0.93. This fare covers travel on urban buses, TransMilenio, and TransMiCable, all of which you can access using a rechargeable card available at stations, authorized points, or online.
Taxis and digital transportation platforms
Taking a taxi is an option, especially if you use an app, which ensures a safer ride. It’s not recommended to hail a taxi on the street or right outside businesses. The minimum fare for a short trip is $1.90.
Keep in mind that when you request a taxi through an app like Uber, Didi, Tappsi, or EasyTaxi, the fare is shown upfront. If you decide to hail one on the street, check the fare chart, which should be displayed on the back of the front passenger seat. Compare the number of taximeter units to the chart, that’s the amount you’ll pay.
On the other hand, fares with platforms like Uber, Didi, or Cabify can vary depending on factors such as weather, demand in certain areas, and the time and day. For example, prices are often higher on weekends.
Gasoline and electric charging prices for vehicles
Prices for gasoline, diesel (ACPM), and electric charging at stations are important to consider if you plan to rent or buy a vehicle, since fuel and electricity costs can influence the type of car that best fits your mobility needs and budget. Here are the current rates according to the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission:
- Gasoline: $4.3 per gallon.
- Diesel: $2.96 per gallon.
- Electricity: Between $0.40 and $0.50 per kWh.
Shared Bicycles
This bike-sharing system is run by Tembici and, in partnership with the Bogota city government, aims to make getting around easier through the rental of both electric-assisted and regular bikes.
You can rent a bike through the Tembici app by scanning the QR code on the bike, which unlocks it instantly. You’ll be charged based on how long you use it, with options for daily, monthly, or annual plans. Occasional users can also pay by the hour.
- Daily use: A single trip costs approximately $0.80.
- Monthly subscription: Costs around $12.
- Annual subscription: Costs around $55.
Vehicle insurance prices
In Bogota, the SOAT is the mandatory insurance you need to drive legally. It costs around $90 for motorcycles and about $91 for family cars.
Cost of vehicles in Bogota
As the capital, the city has a wide range of dealerships and vehicle purchase plans. You’ll especially find plenty of cars suited for city driving, as well as models ideal for traveling around the country.
For example, brands like Renault, Chevrolet, and KIA are among the most popular, with prices starting around $14,500, depending on your preferences and budget. Other brands, such as Citroën, Toyota, or BYD, are also available, with models starting at about $28,000.
Healthcare costs
Private clinics generally offer the best service in Bogota, as public healthcare can be overcrowded, with long waits for treatment and medication. In this section, we break down the costs of public and private healthcare, highlight over-the-counter medications, and show how accessible healthcare is in Colombia’s capital
Access to public healthcare in Bogota
To use public healthcare in Bogota, the first step is to sign up with an EPS, a health provider that manages access to medical services across the city.
There are at least two ways to join. One is through formal employment, where your company handles your registration and part of the monthly fee. The other is by enrolling independently, where you cover the registration and monthly payments yourself, which cost about $133.
If you’re not enrolled, hospitals will still treat you in an emergency, but you’ll be charged for the care you receive. Having travel insurance with medical coverage is highly recommended in this case.
Private healthcare in Bogota
Private healthcare in Bogota works on a prepaid system, where you pay a fixed monthly fee of roughly $85-140 in advance. While costs are higher, care is faster, and you can see specialists with fewer restrictions.
These are some of the costs you will incur if you prefer private healthcare, without having to pay a monthly fee (prepaid):
- General medical consultation: Between $25 and $45.
- Consultation with a specialist such as a dermatologist or cardiologist: Between $55 and $90.
- Routine dental appointment: Between $30 and $50.
- Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization: In a private clinic, the total cost can range from $1,800 to $3,200, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the recovery time.
Over-the-counter medicines in Bogota
Throughout the city, you’ll find stores called ‘droguerías,’ which sell a wide range of both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Most of these are pain relievers and cold remedies.
- Acetaminophen box of 10 tablets: $1.20
- Ibuprofen box of 10 400 mg capsules: $2.50
- Cold medicine in granules or tablets: $0.80 per unit
- Antacids, small bottle: $4.50
Prices for internet and phone plans
Internet in Bogota is reliable, with a strong fiber-optic network covering much of the city. There are also several providers offering service in the capital, each with its own coverage advantages depending on the area.
Here’s a look at the speeds typically offered by providers like ETB, Claro, Tigo, and Movistar, which are the most well-known and widely available in Bogota.
| Speeds | Prices |
| Basic Speed (150–200 Mbps): For basic remote working. | $19–24 per month. |
| Medium Speed (400–600 Mbps): Recommended for households with multiple connected devices and 4K streaming. | $28–36 per month. |
| High Speed (900 Mbps – 1 Gbps): For gamers or content creators. | $42–55 per month. |
Mobile plans
When it comes to postpaid mobile plans, providers like Movistar, Tigo, and Claro offer options starting at around $8 per month, with 30 GB of data, unlimited minutes, and access to certain apps even if you run out of data before your next recharge.
These three companies are the most well-known and have the widest coverage both in the capital and across the country, so you shouldn’t have any issues with your data plan when traveling.
You can also get a SIM card and top it up with data and minutes as needed. Packages are available for 1, 3, or 7 days and up, starting at around $2.60, depending on the provider and the duration you choose.
Holafly monthly plans
Holafly also offers monthly plans with 25 GB or unlimited data, which you can share with other devices like your laptop, tablet, or another phone. Plus, their service works in over 160 countries worldwide.
But if you only need coverage for a few days, you can get Holafly’s Colombia eSIM, which gives you unlimited data for just the days you’ll be there.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of leisure activities in Bogota
Knowing the cost of leisure activities is helpful whether you’re in Bogota for a few days or a longer stay, as it makes planning your outings easier.
- Cinemateca Distrital: Tickets depend on the show and are usually between $2.50 and $4.
- Botanical Garden: Admission costs $1.50.
- Salitre Mágico Amusement Park: Tickets range from $15 to $25, depending on the attraction pass you choose.
- Monserrate: If you walk up the footpath, it’s free, but if you prefer the cable car or funicular, the cost can be between $7–10 for the round trip.
- Jaime Duque Park: This park is located near the northern part of the city and admission is around $15.
- Maloka Interactive Center: This center hosts various interactive exhibitions throughout the year and admission ranges from $7.50 to $10.
You also have a wide range of international platforms for watching movies and series or listening to music if you prefer a quieter night at home. Here’s a look at the costs of popular streaming services, along with a monthly cable TV subscription.
- Netflix (Standard Plan with ads/2 screens): $7.50 per month.
- Spotify Premium: $4.50 per month.
- Disney/Star Combo: $10 per month.
- Cable TV subscription: $15–22.
How much does it cost to live in Bogota?
The cost of living in Bogota depends on your lifestyle, as the city offers accommodations, restaurants, entertainment options, and transportation to suit every budget.
Even so, we have made some estimates of what you might spend living in Bogota, whether you are single, in a relationship, or have a family of up to four members.
As a single person, you have more flexibility with your budget, which makes it easier to live in a central, vibrant neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, bars, attractions, and convenient public transport. You’d be looking at a monthly budget of roughly $1,000.
If you’re living as a couple, you’ll need to plan more carefully for housing, entertainment, food, and utilities, since consumption goes up and you’ll need more living space. You don’t necessarily need double the budget of a single person, but you should expect to spend at least 50 to 70% more, starting around $1,500.
If you’re moving to Bogota with your family, you’ll need a home with at least three bedrooms in a safe area that’s easy to get around and close to recreational spots for your children. In this case, your monthly budget would start at around $2,200.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Bogota
The cost of living in Bogota depends on your lifestyle, as the city caters to different budgets and spending habits. The best approach is to choose a neighborhood that fits your needs in terms of safety and affordability.
You’ll need to get a card called TuLlave and load it with fares. This will let you use the entire system, which covers nearly the whole city.
Yes, over the years Bogota has improved its bike infrastructure, making cycling a practical everyday transportation option as well as a recreational activity.
There are several neighborhoods in Bogota where foreigners often choose to live. With a higher budget, you might consider areas like Usaquén, Chapinero Alto, or La Cabrera in the north of the city. If your budget is more moderate, neighborhoods like Teusaquillo or Chapinero are good options.
You can find everything from neighborhood stores, local marketplaces, supermarkets, and hypermarkets in all areas.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
