The cost of Living in Colombia in 2023

I don’t have hard numbers, but based on my monthly outlay, the cost of living in Medellin has risen about 10-12% over the past year.  Mostly due to higher prices for food, restaurants, cabs, uber, utilities.

@Marquezdl inflation CPI was 13,12% at closing of 2022 so everything rises acording to CPI

I live in a small town and am pleased with my expenses here. I rent a furnished cabaña, which includes utilities  and bottled water and the company of a lovely Colombian family on the same property, for $250US. I walk everywhere in town, and a bus to the nearest city is about $1.50. Health insurance is about $30, and a visit to a private doctor is usually less than $25. I buy local produce and use virtually no prepared or canned products. One of my largest expenses is bananas to feed the many birds who visit me, and my primary forms of entertainment are bird watching, gardening, and studying Spanish and QiGong. I go out for an occasional meal.

@paddyroyal

May I ask what kind of visa you have and when you have to renew it?

@paddyroyal  May i ask if when you seek medical services if you travel to a larger town/city for medical care?  My bride is from Cali Colombia and i am a citizen of the United States, currently residing in Texas. It is our intention to return to Colombia when i reach full retirement age but i do not wish to retire/reside in Cali. I favor residing somewhere in the coffee triangle where the climate is cooler. Thank you.

@paddyroyal So good to see you here.

@N.Barley Hi, I have a pensioner's visa. The first one was for a year, the second one is for three years.

@J L Barrera10 Hi, I live in Salento and travel to Armenia for medical appointments. It's less than an hour by bus. So far, I have been able to get everything handled there except for some specialized tests, which required that I go to Pereira.

@paddyroyal What a lovely, small town! We've visited Salento a couple of times as well as Valle de Cocora! I'm taking an interest in Periera myself but will definitely look into available housing in Salento the next visit to Colombia. Many thanks for your response! Ciao!

@J L Barrera10 Feel free to be in touch as you explore. There are very few expats in Salento for sure. I was looking at Pereira but am happy to be in a small town.

@paddyroyal Thank you so much! My bride and i are planning a visit to Cali in the fall. I'll certainly remember to reach out to you when we arrive in Colombia! Ciao!

I live in Barranquilla. Not exactly a pueblo, but not a big city either. Not even a tourist destination. My monthlys:

• Rent- $350 (relatively spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath spot I found by sheer luck)
• Internet, Gas, Electric, Trash - Just under $100 combined
• Phone (Tigo) - Just under $10
• Groceries and basics - Under $100 (I mostly cook at home)
• "Fancy" Dinner Dates w/ girlfriend - $60
• Transportation (mostly Uber and bus) - $20, give or take

I'm 48. As a software developer in the twilight of my career, I don't make that much anymore (just under $2,500/month take-home after taxes), but I have saved enough of a "cushion" to live this same humble and budget-minded life while unemployed for another 2-3 years if absolutely necessary (but I hope it doesn't come to that).

I doubt one could manage this budget in a city like Cartagena or Medellin.