How Much Does It Cost to Live in Cali Colombia?
Our investigation shows that living in Cali, Colombia is budget-friendly, particularly for expats. It’s known as one of the cheaper cities in Colombia, more so than Bogotá and Medellín. The average monthly salary is around 1,746,891.50 Colombian pesos or $450 USD. Rent, food, transportation, and basic expenses here are usually less than in bigger Colombian cities.
Your costs will vary based on how you live and spend money. Next, we’ll look at detailed expenses you might have in Cali.
Key Takeaways
- Cali, Colombia is generally considered an affordable city, especially for expats and digital nomads.
- The average monthly net salary in Cali is around $450 USD.
- Rent, food, transportation, and other basic expenses tend to be lower in Cali compared to other major Colombian cities.
- The exact cost of living in Cali will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits.
- In the following sections, we’ll provide more detailed information on the specific costs you can expect in Cali.
Cost of Living in Cali: An Overview
Exploring Cali reveals it as a top pick for many. It’s loved by expats and digital nomads because it’s affordable. Compared to other big cities in Colombia, living in Cali is 30% cheaper than Bogotá and 20% cheaper than Medellín.
Affordable City for Expats
Living in Cali is pocket-friendly right from the start. Costs for rent, food, and transportation are much lower. This helps expats and residents make the most of their money.
Comparison to Other Cities in Colombia
Cali shines when you look at how it stacks up to other Colombian cities. Let’s take rent as an example. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $300 USD. Similar places in Bogotá or Medellín will cost a lot more.
The cost of living in Cali can change depending on your lifestyle. But generally, Cali is both budget-friendly and offers a good quality of life. It’s a great spot for those wanting to save money while enjoying what Colombia has to offer.
Housing Expenses in Cali
Living in Cali, Colombia can be pricey, especially when it comes to housing. Yet, the cost of renting an apartment and overall housing expenses in Cali are lower than in other big cities in the country.
Rent Prices for Apartments
A one-bedroom apartment in Cali’s city center averages around Col$1,157,142.86 ($300 USD) per month. If you prefer living outside the city center, it’s about Col$883,333.33 ($230 USD) for a similar apartment.
Looking for more space? A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs Col$2,100,000.00 ($545 USD) monthly. But outside the center, you might pay around Col$1,540,000.00 ($400 USD) for the same.
Buying an Apartment: Costs and Considerations
Thinking about buying instead of renting? The cost varies. It depends on where the apartment is located, its size, amenities, and the current market.
For buyers in Cali, doing your homework on the local real estate market is crucial. Also, look into different ways to pay for your apartment. Don’t forget about extra costs like closing, taxes, and maintenance.
Cost of Food and Dining Out
In Cali, Colombia, food and dining out are really affordable. Local markets and supermarkets offer good prices. For instance, a gallon of milk costs Col$18,820.20 ($4.90 USD). A loaf of fresh white bread is Col$6,164.90 ($1.60 USD), and a dozen eggs cost Col$8,969.23 ($2.35 USD). Items like bananas, oranges, and tomatoes range from Col$1,640.51 to Col$2,414.77 ($0.43 to $0.63 USD) per pound, making them a great buy.
Grocery Shopping and Market Prices
Grocery prices in Cali are budget-friendly. The area’s markets and stores sell fresh, high-quality food at low prices. This is great news for anyone trying to save money.
Restaurant Meals and Beverages
Eating out in Cali costs less than in many big cities. This makes enjoying local dishes easy on your wallet. Whether eating quickly or having a big meal, prices are affordable. This is true for both locals and visitors alike.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Cali Colombia?
The overall cost of living in Cali, Colombia is reasonable. It’s cheaper than many big cities in the country. The exact amount you’ll spend depends on your lifestyle and habits. But we can give you some general figures on the total cost of living in Cali.
For a single person, living expenses in Cali will be between $500 and $1,000 USD a month. This includes housing, meals, and getting around. Couples or families might spend $800 to $1,500 USD monthly.
Renting a place is a major cost. It can be from $230 to $545 USD for a one- to three-bedroom apartment. Food is not too pricey. You’ll spend $100 to $300 USD a month on groceries, and meals out cost $5 to $20 USD per person.
Utility bills add between $50 and $100 USD a month. This includes electricity, water, and internet. Getting around is affordable. A bus ride costs about $0.70 USD. Taxis are $2 to $5 USD for short trips.
The cost of living in Cali is lower than many big Colombian cities. It’s a great place for expats and those on a tight budget. With smart spending and the city’s affordable options, you can live well in Cali.
Transportation Costs in Cali
In Cali, getting around is not too expensive. You have a few choices. The city’s buses are a cheap way to travel. A single ride costs about Col$2,700 ($0.70 USD). If you ride a lot, it’s better to buy a monthly pass. This pass lets you ride as much as you want for about Col$41,850 ($11 USD).
Public Transportation Options
Many people choose the public bus option in Cali. This is because it’s affordable and covers a wide area. You can hop on a bus easily and it goes to most places. With low one-way costs and a good deal on a monthly pass, it’s great for those who travel often.
Taxi Fares and Car Ownership
If you need a ride for a short distance, taxi prices start at Col$4,500 ($1.17 USD). Then it’s Col$2,800 ($0.73) for each kilometer. But remember, owning a car in Cali is a big decision. It includes paying for registration, insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs.
Utilities and Internet Costs
The utility costs in Cali and monthly bills in Cali Colombia are budget-friendly. For a 915 square foot apartment, basic utilities like electricity and water are Col$200,909.09 to Col$354,166.67 ($52 to $92 USD) a month.
Internet prices in Cali vary. A basic plan starts at Col$40,000.00 ($10 USD) monthly. But, if you need faster speeds, you might pay up to Col$120,000.00 ($31 USD) a month.
Together, utility and internet costs in Cali are affordable. This good deal is one reason why people like it here. It lets you save money while enjoying life online.
Recreation and Leisure Activities
Cali, Colombia, is a lively city with many fun things to do. It fits every interest and budget. You can stay active, explore culture, or relax here.
Gym Memberships and Sports Facilities
Getting in shape in Cali is easy on the wallet. Gym memberships range from Col$60,000 ($15 USD) to Col$200,000 ($50 USD) a month. This city also has places like Parque del Perro. There, you can play soccer, basketball, and jog for free.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Cali’s nightlife is famous and offers many choices. A night out can vary from Col$20,000 to Col$50,000 ($5 to $13 USD). This includes entry fees and drinks. For those on a tight budget, cultural spots like Museo del Oro Calima are perfect. They have either free or very cheap tickets.
Conclusion
Our research shows that Cali, Colombia, is a budget-friendly place. It’s more affordable than big cities like Bogotá and Medellín. In Cali, prices for housing, food, and other living costs are lower, making it ideal for those wanting to save money. It’s a city where you can live well without spending a lot.
If you’re thinking about moving to Cali, Colombia, know that it’s a smart choice financially. The city’s costs are lower than many other places in the country. Yet, you get to enjoy a unique culture and vibrant lifestyle. This means you can live well without breaking the bank, offering a great mix of affordability and quality of life.
In conclusion, our detailed look at Cali shows it’s a smart choice for living in Colombia. Whether you’re staying for a short while or making it your home, Cali is a city where your money goes far. By being smart with your finances, you can enjoy all this city has to offer. It’s a place where living affordably doesn’t mean compromising on a good life.
