How Much to Live in Cali Colombia?
Cali is the third-largest city in Colombia and home to a growing number of expats and digital nomads. It’s known for its affordable cost of living. Knowing the living expenses in Cali Colombia is key to managing your budget. This article explores everything from rent costs to the price of a meal out in this lively city.
Key Takeaways
- Cali offers a relatively low cost of living in Cali Colombia compared to other major Colombian cities.
- Rent and utility costs in Cali are generally more affordable than in Medellin or Bogota.
- Grocery and dining expenses in Cali can be budget-friendly, with options for both inexpensive and mid-range meals.
- Transportation costs, including public transit and taxis, are reasonably priced in Cali.
- Cali’s inland location contributes to its lower living expenses in Cali Colombia compared to coastal cities.
Cost of Living in Cali: An Overview
We will look at the cost of living in Cali, Colombia. This includes monthly costs like rent, utilities, and food. We’ll also check out transportation and fun things to do in this lively city.
Monthly Expenses for Rent, Utilities, and Food
In Cali, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about 1,157,142.86 Col$. If you live outside the center, it’s cheaper at 883,333.33 Col$. Monthly utilities for a 915 sq ft place cost roughly 276,466.69 Col$.
For eating, a basic meal costs 15,000 Col$ at a cheap restaurant. A dinner for two at a nicer place is around 120,000 Col$. Grocery prices are also reasonable, with items like rice at 2,518.57 Col$ per pound.
Transportation Costs: Public Transit, Taxis, and Fuel
It’s easy and cheap to get around in Cali. A bus ticket is 2,700 Col$, and a monthly bus pass costs 41,850 Col$. Taxis start at 6,250 Col$.
The fare is about 12,874.76 Col$ per mile. If you drive, gas is priced at 13,398.27 Col$ per gallon.
Entertainment and Leisure: Restaurants, Cinemas, and Gyms
Cali’s entertainment options are varied. Eating out costs around 15,000 Col$ at cheap spots. For fancier dinners, budget around 120,000 Col$ for two.
A movie ticket is 21,500 Col$. If you like the gym, memberships run from 55,865.83 Col$ to 250,000 Col$ a month.
How Much to Live in Cali Colombia?
Renting a place in Cali is usually cheaper than buying. Buying in the city center costs 423,338.74 Col$ per square foot, and 401,760.08 Col$ outside. For rent, a one-bedroom in the city center is 1,157,142.86 Col$ a month. Outside, it’s 883,333.33 Col$. If you’re thinking of buying, the mortgage rate is 11.65% for a 20-year loan in Colombia.
Groceries and Dining Out: Budget-Friendly Options
Food and dining are affordable in Cali Colombia. Basic foods like bread, eggs, and chicken are cheap at local markets. Eating out can also be budget-friendly, with meals at simple places as low as 15,000 Col$. A nicer dinner for two costs about 120,000 Col$. Street vendors offer even cheaper options.
Utilities and Internet: Reasonable Rates
Living expenses in Cali are fair. The average utility bill for a 915 sq ft place is 276,466.69 Col$ a month. High-speed internet costs around 91,655.56 Col$ monthly. Mobile plans with at least 10GB and calls are 38,444.44 Col$ per month. These rates are good for people working online.
Budgeting for Cali: Tips and Strategies
If you’re an expat or digital nomad, you might want to save money in Cali, Colombia. There are smart ways to do this. Learn about Cali Colombia cost of living tips and Cali Colombia budgeting strategies. This will help you enjoy your time in Cali without breaking the bank.
Cost-Saving Hacks for Expats and Digital Nomads
Renting outside the city center can save you a lot on Cali Colombia housing costs. It’s good to use the cheap public transport. Also, shopping at local markets for groceries saves money. Finding places with fast internet, like co-working spaces, can cut costs too.
Affordable Neighborhoods to Consider
Looking for Cali Colombia affordable neighborhoods? Try areas away from the city center. Comuna 17 and Comuna 19 offer cheaper rents. They are still close to shops and transport. Places like Pance and Jamundi, a bit further out, are also more affordable. It means a longer commute but lower costs.
Living Costs Compared: Cali vs. Other Colombian Cities
Comparing living costs in Cali to other big Colombian cities shows a pleasant surprise. This lively city usually allows for a more budget-friendly lifestyle. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Cali costs about 1,157,142.86 Col$ a month. The same place in Medellin could ask as much as 1,800,000 Col$. In Bogota, it jumps to 2,100,000 Col$.
A basic monthly utility bill in Cali stands at 276,466.69 Col$. This is less than the bills in Medellin, around 354,166.67 Col$, and Bogota, approximately 300,000 Col$.
How Cali Stacks Up Against Medellin and Bogota
Cali’s position inland helps keep its living costs lower than cities on the coast, like Cartagena and Santa Marta. It’s much cheaper to live in Cali than in those beautiful but more expensive coastal areas. For example, in the center of Cartagena, a one-bedroom costs 1,500,000 Col$. But in Santa Marta, a similar place can go up to 1,700,000 Col$.
What’s more, buying groceries or eating out can be pricier by the sea. That’s because getting goods and services there involves higher transportation costs. This makes Cali an attractive choice for those looking to save on daily expenses.
Cost of Living: Coastal vs. Inland Cities
In comparisons like Cali Colombia cost of living vs Medellin, Cali Colombia cost of living vs Bogota, and Cali Colombia living expenses compared to other cities, Cali often turns out more economical. The same goes for Cali Colombia cost of living vs coastal cities and Cali Colombia living expenses compared to other inland cities. Its strategic position helps keep the Cali Colombia affordability vs other Colombian cities in check. This makes it a great option for people wanting a good life that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Conclusion
In Cali, Colombia, the costs of living are lower than in many big Colombian cities. This is especially true for rent, utilities, and daily needs. Knowing the average costs for rent, food, getting around, and fun helps us budget better. It allows us to enjoy this lively, culture-rich city more.
Cali is an excellent choice whether we move there from another country, work online, or want to save money. It offers a great life quality without a high price tag. The city has easy-to-use public transport, cheap places to eat, and affordable bills. This makes it appealing for people wanting to save money and enjoy Colombia’s culture.
When looking for a place to live in Cali, we find many budget-friendly options. Whether it’s through local neighborhoods or urban districts, there are choices that suit our lifestyle. With some smart choices and planning, we can live well and fully explore Cali, Colombia.
