Cost of living in Colombia: Food, transport, and more

If your next destination is Colombia, you must know that the cost of living can vary depending on the city you choose. For example, main cities can offer a much more dynamic lifestyle than secondary ones, but the basic cost of living is higher compared with smaller cities.

Food, transport, leisure and services like internet don’t usually differ much between cities, as the national government regulates them. Prices remain almost the same across the country. However, rental costs can make a significant difference in your budget.

Let’s check all these aspects in detail so you can start planning a budget. Also, we’ll calculate the cost of visiting certain tourist spots like Tayrona Park in Santa Marta, the Cocora Valley in the Coffee Region, or the Botanical Garden in Colombia’s capital. Let’s begin!

Average cost of staying in Colombia

The average cost of staying in Colombia changes depending on the city and neighbourhood. It also depends on other factors such as the services hotels offer, the spaces provided by Airbnb or coliving. We’ll show you the average prices in some cities.

1. Average hotel costs

The cost of staying in a hotel in main cities depends on your needs. For example, some may charge an additional fee for wellness areas (gym or spa), laundry services, or restaurant use.

On average, in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali or Barranquilla, nightly costs range between $30 (€28) and $60 (€55) in areas with strategic locations for tourist mobility and higher security compared with other zones.

In smaller cities like Manizales, Bucaramanga, Cúcuta or Pereira, accommodation prices range between $15 (€14) and $38 (€35) per night.

2. Average cost of furnished apartments

Regarding furnished apartments, the price per square metre ranges between $6 (€5) and $8 (€7) in Bogotá. Medellín has slightly higher costs, reaching between $10 (€9.20) and $16 (€15).

In other main cities like Cali, Barranquilla or Santa Marta, rental costs are more affordable, averaging between $4 (€3) and $6.50 (€6). Prices also vary if building administration fees apply, if utilities are included, and of course, according to the contracted area.

Secondary cities like Pereira in the Coffee Region, Manizales, Ibagué or Tunja don’t vary significantly compared with Cali or Barranquilla.

In fact, in these cities you could enjoy a lower cost of living than in main cities, with lower rental payments in safe and central places. Common features include proximity to tourist attractions, hospitals, libraries, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.

3. Average cost of colivings in Colombia

These spaces are usually rented by students, digital nomads, or remote workers who want a more community lifestyle while developing professionally. They’re also attractive due to their cost-benefit ratio.

Medellín leads in rental costs, this time in coliving, with values ranging between $500 (€460) and $1,000 (€920) per month, depending on included services. For example, some colivings feature better-equipped game rooms, cleaning services, or spacious coworking areas. The price also depends on the rented room’s size.

Cartagena follows with monthly values ranging from $550 (€550) to $1,200 (€1,100). Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Barranquilla charge between $170 (€160) and $600 (€550).

4. Average Airbnb costs in Colombia

If you prefer renting through apps like Airbnb, you’ll find houses or furnished apartments, usually between 30 and 60 square metres. In this case, values can be slightly higher compared with the previous options.

Between $46 (€42) and $75 (€69) per night in Cartagena and Medellín, since they’re the most touristic cities in Colombia. Meanwhile, in Bogotá, Cali, or Barranquilla you can rent for around $32 (€29) to $50 (€47).

Most rentals usually include services according to the city’s climate, like air conditioning in warmer areas or heating in colder ones. They may also offer washing machines with drying areas, cleaning, or TVs with streaming services.

Cost of food

In Colombia, food costs depend on factors like petrol prices, proximity to farmland, or the dollar’s rise for imported products and fertilisers.

However, in local markets across any city, you’ll still see a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, tubers, and meats despite price fluctuations.

Here’s a table showing average costs of some Colombian staple products, bought in Éxito supermarkets and Corabastos market.

We also averaged the cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a restaurant. Prices change depending on the dish and the place:

• Breakfast: $3.50 (€3.10) – $5.90 (€5.30)
• Lunch: $4.20 (€3.80) – $7 (€6.30)
• Dinner: $4.20 (€3.80) – $7 (€6.30)

Transport prices in Colombia

Each city has a different transport system, so costs vary slightly. Every year, ticket fares increase, and fuel costs and system needs determine the percentage rise.

Here are the public transport options you’ll find in some main Colombian cities.

Fuel prices have risen in recent years, while the kWh rate for electric vehicles has stayed stable. The following values apply to 2025.

• Petrol per gallon: $4 (€3.50)
• Diesel per gallon: $2.50 (€2.20)
• kWh: $0.30 (€0.30)

Healthcare costs in Colombia

Colombia’s healthcare system is divided into public and private. We’ll give you medical costs for seeing a GP, a specialist, and also hospitalisation or dental treatment.

As a foreigner, you can access public services by joining an EPS (Health Promoting Entity). You’ll need your passport or an official ID, and you must state whether you’re joining the contributory regime (workers) or the subsidised one (economically vulnerable people).

As for medication, it can be free or start from $1 (€0.90). Some over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin may cost between $4.50 (€4) and $7 (€6.70) per box of 100 tablets.

Internet and call plan prices

In Colombia, several internet providers operate with fixed and mobile plans. Prices vary depending on your connectivity needs. Payments for fixed internet services are monthly and usually bundled with cable TV.

Here are the main service providers in the country:

You also have the option of getting one of Holafly’s monthly plans, which offer coverage in more than 170 destinations with the same eSIM. You can also connect devices like your laptop or tablet.

If your stay is shorter than a month, the eSIM for Colombia is the best alternative, since it gives you unlimited data, no roaming charges, and you only pay for the days you need.

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 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Leisure activity costs in Colombia

Leisure in Colombia is diverse, as entertainment options change depending on the city or the country’s region. In some places, people usually go out dancing more, while in others activities include going to the cinema, a natural park, or exploring the city.

If you’d like to enjoy natural surroundings, here are some tourist attractions as examples, along with their daily costs:

• Tayrona Park in Santa Marta: $42 (€38) approximately
• Cocora Valley in Salento (Coffee Region): $35 (€31) approximately
• Bogotá Botanical Garden: $10 (€8.50)
• Cartagena’s Walled City: $10 (€8.50)

If you prefer plans like going to the cinema, visiting museums, or enjoying a bar, here are average costs:

• Cinema: $6 (€5.80) – $11 (€10.50)
• Museums: $1.25 (€1.16) – $5 (€4.60)
• Dancing: $10 (€9.30) – $30 (€28)

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