Colombia Expat Cost of Living - How I Live Affordably Abroad
If you are looking into the cost of living in Colombia and want to know if moving to another country is something you can do, this guide is here to help. It uses real details from someone who has done it before. I was inspired by the video from Navigating with SEO Hobby Expert, so I’ll take you step by step through things like housing, utilities, healthcare, pet care, services, community fees, and tips you can use. I will talk about everyday spending. The cost of living can change from place to place in Colombia, but I am showing you a clear and real view of what you need to live well in the Medellín/El Retiro area.
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Why this article? What to expect
Many people want to know, “Is it possible to move abroad on Social Security or if you get a set amount of money each month?” The quick answer is yes. But, it depends on where you go and the way you plan to live. This article looks at real costs and gives clear examples. You will see exact monthly amounts and what you have to pay once. I will give advice that helps you spend less, but still live well in Colombia.
Overview: The big picture on cost of living in Colombia
Colombia’s cost of living is usually lower than in the United States. This is true, especially if you live outside busy city areas. In Medellín and nearby towns like El Retiro, there are many housing options and costs to pick from. How much you pay depends on the area you live in, if you own or rent your home, the way you live, and if you buy goods or use services from other countries.
Housing: The area has many choices. You can get places that are not expensive, mid-range, or nicer apartments.
Utilities: These often cost much less than they do in the U.S., especially if you do not need to use heat or air conditioning.
Healthcare: You can get good care that does not cost a lot. Legal residents can use government insurance, and monthly payments are low.
Services and grooming: Things like care for people, pets, and getting beauty treatments cost so much less than they do in the U.S.
The goal here is to show you how spending less every day, and being smart about your housing, can help you cut your total cost of living by a lot.
Housing: Buying versus renting and what “strata” means
One of the big things that change your cost of living is where you live. In Colombia, areas are grouped by something called “strata” (estrato). This is a system that helps set things like your bills and property taxes. The strata system goes from 1 to 6. A 1 is for neighborhoods where people do not make much money. A 6 is for places where people make the most. A lot of good places to live are in strata 2, 3, and 4. These areas feel safe and have many things people need, but prices usually are not too high.
Here are some practical examples:
Purchased condo (strata 4): The video creator said she bought a condo for about $160,000. Because she owns it and does not rent, the monthly housing costs are much lower. There is no need to pay rent.
Renting range: The price to rent a place changes depending on where you are. It may be about $500 each month for simple or remote apartments. It can go up to $1,500 for better homes closer to the city or inside gated areas.
Gated communities: A lot of good places have guards who watch the area all the time. These places can have gardens and pools to be used by everyone. A homeowner or condo fee (administración) is paid each month. This money goes toward the guards, care for gardens, and keeping shared spaces clean.
Owning your apartment cuts down on one of the biggest things in your monthly spending. It can bring down your total cost of living to a level that a lot of people may not think is possible.
Monthly community fee (administración) and what it covers
When you have an apartment in a gated community or condo in Colombia, you would usually pay an administración. You pay this fee every month. It helps to cover many services and things you get there. It is a main part of living costs.
Example amount: $112 per month (as reported by the video creator).
A usual fee gives you things like 24-hour security guards, cleaning of shared spaces, people who take care of the grounds, pool care, and sometimes you get to use other things like organic gardens where people living there can pick fruit or vegetables.
Why it matters: Paying the administración is often cheaper than paying for each thing on your own, and it also helps with safety and making life easier — the main things that people who move from another country care about.
When you look at different neighborhoods, always ask what is part of the administración fee. In some areas, the cost may be more. It can cover things like building care, elevators, backup generators, and someone who helps at the front desk.
Climate, energy use, and utility costs
Colombia's geography affects how much people pay to live there, especially for utilities. The places near the equator have steady temperatures all year. In the Medellín area, called the "Eternal Spring" region, daytime temperatures are usually in the low to middle 70s Fahrenheit. At night, it drops to the 50s. This makes people need less heating or air conditioning.
Electricity: In mild places like Medellín, electric bills can be low. For example, you might pay $30 to $35 each month. Even if you use A/C sometimes, most people still pay less than $60 a month.
Water and trash: These are often part of local bills or the administración. When you pay for them on their own, the cost is still low when you compare it to what people pay in the U.S.
Gas for cooking and hot water: The price for this is usually not high. It can also be part of your building’s utilities.
The steady and nice weather helps to use less energy. This can make your monthly living cost go down.
Internet and mobile phone: staying connected affordably
Fast internet is found in many parts of Colombia, like the city and nearby areas. The fiber optic networks give speeds like what people get in big places of the world. The prices for this internet are also low.
Internet: Fiber optic is one example. It can be $26 each month for fast internet.
Cell phone: You can get talk and data with no limit. This can cost about $26 every month.
If you work away from the office or you often use streaming services, these prices help you keep your internet going without raising your other costs by much. A lot of expats feel the low price of internet and mobile plans is a big plus.
Healthcare and government insurance (EPS)
One big reason that many people who retire or move from another country go to Colombia is the good and low-cost healthcare. When you get the right visa and become a resident, you can join the public health system called EPS. The rates are very good for most people.
Government insurance example: You pay $60 each month. There are no extra payments. It covers most health needs.
Private care: If you pay yourself, seeing a specialist or getting lab tests costs much less than in the U.S. For example, a visit to a blood doctor with labs cost about $100 before the video creator got government insurance.
Hospital quality: A lot of hospitals are new and have the best tools. Some also help people who speak English by setting up visits and by working with them.
Healthcare is a big part of what older expats pay to live. In Colombia, the cost for care is not high, and the care is good. This mix often helps them feel less stressed about paying for their health needs.
Personal care and beauty services
Grooming and beauty services are part of the costs you have each month. If you like to get your nails done, have a pedicure, or go to the salon often, you will find that prices in Colombia are much lower.
Nails (dip with gel and pedicure): Example — $20 for a manicure and pedicure together.
How often: A lot of people go every 4–6 weeks. Even going once a month is not costly and can be less than what you pay for one visit in the U.S.
Quality and help here are often better than what people think they will get. The team is taught well and they pay close attention. Prices are set based on what things usually cost in the local area, not what you see with goods from outside.
Everyday expenses: groceries, dining, and local services
Daily living costs like groceries, markets, going out to eat, and getting around can change depending on the city and how you live. Local markets and shops in neighborhoods have fresh produce, meat, and other basic things. They usually cost less than those you find in the U.S., especially when you buy things made in the area.
Fresh produce: Cheap at local markets. Organic foods can cost more but most people can still buy them.
Dining out: Local restaurants, cafes, and street food do not cost much money. Even places that are a bit nicer stay in a good price range.
Transportation: Local buses, metro trains (in bigger cities), taxis, and ride-hailing apps cost less than those in the U.S.
Eating mainly local foods and using businesses in the neighborhood help keep the cost of living low. Most expats say they can enjoy a lively food scene for much less than they would pay in the U.S.
How owning vs renting affects the cost of living
Having your own home will change what you pay each month. You no longer have to pay rent, and that is the biggest cost for most people. But, when you own a home, you will need to pay taxes, and also some fees and work to keep it in good shape.
Ownership benefits: No monthly rent. You get to make choices about your place. There may be a chance to make good money on the house over time.
Ownership costs: You pay taxes on the place. You deal with administración. You also fix things when needed. Sometimes there are extra fees.
Renting benefits: You can move with ease. You do not need to worry about fixing things for a long time.
Renting costs: You pay rent each month. There are deposits to give. Rent may go up if the neighborhood is in high demand.
For many people who have retired or those living outside their home country for a long time, getting a place in a middle-priced strata neighborhood can give you more stability. It also makes living costs lower over the years, mainly if you pay for it up front or get the money by selling your other home.
Practical example monthly budget (estimates)
Here is a simplified monthly budget to show how the cost of living adds up for an expat. In this example, the expat owns an apartment in the Medellín/El Retiro area. The numbers below are just examples taken from the video.
Administración (community fee): $112
Electricity and utilities: $35
Internet: $26
Cell phone: $26
Government healthcare insurance: $60
Groceries and dining out: $300 (this can go up or down based on how you live)
Care and grooming: $20
Pet care/grooming (average monthly): $8 (on average, $16 every two months)
Miscellaneous (transport, fun, household items): $150
The total estimated monthly cost of living when you own your place is about $737 each month. This does not include taxes or big one-time costs. This shows owning an apartment and having lower daily spending in Colombia lets you have a nice life, even if you have a low, fixed income like Social Security.
Comparing to the United States: what changes most?
When you look at cost of living in Colombia and the U.S., you will spot big differences. Housing, healthcare, and extra services are the main things that stand out. The United States is known for having high costs in healthcare and housing. These prices can go up or down, and a lot of people feel they take up most of their money. In Colombia, spending for housing and healthcare is mostly steady. These prices are also lower most of the time.
Housing: Costs outside big cities in the U.S. tend to be lower. Many people from the U.S. who live abroad get better places to stay for less than they would pay for rent or a home loan in the U.S.
Healthcare: People pay less, get good help, and those with legal papers can get public health insurance that is easy on the wallet. This helps to cut bills for doctor visits a lot.
Services: Looking after people, pets, and homes does not cost much. The work you get is good.
It is still important to think about the cost of international flights. You should know that imported medicine or products can cost more. The way you live also makes a big difference. If you eat out in areas with a lot of expats, travel often, or buy luxury items, your cost of living will go up.
Visas, residency, and access to government services
Getting the right visa or legal residency is important. It helps people use public healthcare and can make living costs lower over time. A lot of expats begin their stay with tourist or short-term visas. Later, they become residents so they can use EPS and other services.
Visa types: You can choose a Pensionado if you are retired with a pension income, rentista for those with income that comes from property or investments, or pick other residency visas based on your situation.
Health insurance eligibility: If you get the right visa and a cedula, you can join the public insurance system. The prices are good for most people.
Professional help: Some local consultants and expat services will help you with visas, cedula sign-up, and getting through the many steps needed for paperwork. This can help to cut down waiting time and surprise costs.
Working with good relocation consultants or local attorneys can cost more at first. But, this helps save money and stress later on. You can reduce your living costs because you get help from subsidized services more quickly.
Practical tips to manage and reduce the cost of living in Colombia
You can think about buying instead of renting if you will stay for a long time. Owning can make your monthly costs much lower.
Pick a place with nice weather to keep heating or A/C bills down.
Sign up for public health insurance when you can; it will help you save a lot on doctor bills.
Shop at local markets and places to get the best deals for food and other needs.
Try to learn Spanish, even just a little bit. This helps you skip paying more as an expat and can make daily life easier.
Check out different internet and phone plans. A lot of choices and good prices come from many companies fighting for your business.
Make sure to plan for administración and ask what you are getting before you buy a house.
These useful steps help you keep track of your spending. They also make sure your living costs match what you expect.
Real stories: unexpected savings and pleasant surprises
The video talks about stories that show how you can keep your costs low in Colombia. You can have a vet come to your home on a holiday for just $30. A heart checkup for a small dog with an ultrasound and EKG can be done for $40. These stories show that getting health care and other services is still affordable there. You can also get a full manicure and pedicure for $20. A dog groom will only cost $16. These services often cost much more in many cities in the U.S.
"I couldn't even imagine in the US what that would have been... probably close to $1,000 maybe more." — Navigating with SEO Hobby Expert
Stories like these are not just funny. They show a bigger truth about how a lower cost of living can lead to real comfort and money help.
Common pitfalls and what to watch out for
The cost of living in Colombia can be good for many people. But you should get ready and know about some things that go wrong often:
Residency paperwork: Delays or mistakes can make it hard to get public insurance and other services.
Import taxes: Medicines, electronics, and luxury items from outside the country can cost a lot because of extra fees.
Neighborhood selection: Cheap neighborhoods may not have good amenities or steady services. Try to balance cost and quality when you pick where to live.
Currency fluctuations: Plan for changes in exchange rates if you earn in U.S. dollars.
With good tips from local people and some planning, most of these problems are not hard to handle. They should not stop you from having an affordable life in another country.
Where to get more help: resources and experts
If you really want to move, there are some good tools and helpful services you can use to save money and make this move easier:
Local consultants for moving and expat groups, both online and in-person.
Attorneys for immigration and visa experts to help with residency.
Brokers for health insurance who know how to sign up for EPS and private plans.
Real estate agents who know expat areas well and tell you about administración details.
Talking to an expert may cost money at first. But, it can help you avoid big mistakes later. You will likely spend less over time because you get help to make better choices.
Conclusion: Is the cost of living in Colombia right for you?
Colombia gives people great services, good weather, and low prices. This is good for retirees and expats who have to watch how much they spend. In Colombia, things like electricity, internet, health care, and pet care cost less than in the United States. The cost of living can be way lower. If you want to move, you need to think about your lifestyle, how to become a legal resident, and plan your money well. With help and some planning, many people feel they get more for their money. They also feel their lives get better in Colombia.
If you liked the first video by Navigating with SEO Hobby Expert and want help just for you, you can talk to people who know all about moving. You can also watch more videos from people who have gone through this and know what it is like.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average cost of living in Colombia for an expat?
The cost of living changes by city and how you like to live. If you already have a home in a small or mid-sized town near Medellín, you might only need less than $1,000 a month to live well. But if you rent in a city center, you could spend from $1,000 to $2,000 each month. It depends on what you want. There are examples in this article that show how having your own place and using public services can help people save money on living costs.
Q: How much does healthcare cost for expats?
A: Public healthcare (EPS) for legal residents can be as low as $60 each month. It gives you coverage and you will pay little or nothing for most visits. You might need to pay yourself before insurance. A visit to a specialist or labs can be about $100 or less. The price changes by what you need and where you go.
Q: Are utilities expensive in Colombia?
A: Utilities are not too expensive, especially in areas where the weather is mild and people do not have to use much heating or cooling. In the Medellín area, people usually pay about $30–$35 a month for electricity if they do not use too much. Water and waste services are often part of the administration fees or you might get a separate bill that is not high.
Q: Can I keep my pet in Colombia and afford their care?
A: Yes. Veterinary services, grooming, and emergency care cost much less than in many U.S. cities. You can get house-call vets and special tests at good prices. Having a pet is easy to handle with the cost of living that most expats have.
Q: How do I access government insurance (EPS)?
You usually need to have the right visa and papers like your cedula and proof of where you live to sign up for EPS. If you work with someone who knows about moving or a lawyer who helps with visas, they can help you do this faster and make sure you follow all the rules. After you sign up, you will get wide and low-cost coverage.
Q: Will my cost of living increase if I use many imported goods?
A: Yes. Imported goods and some special items (like some medicines, electronics, or things with brand names) often cost more. This is because of import duties and the way they get here. If you use things or services made in your area, you will keep your cost of living down.
Q: How much should I budget for unexpected expenses?
A: Make a plan for an emergency fund that will cover several months of living costs. You should also add one-time costs for visas, moving, and getting set up. It is good to have about $3,000–$5,000 saved. This amount works for most expats, but your need may be more based on your case.
Credits and further viewing
This article is based on what Navigating with SEO Hobby Expert shared from his own experience. For the video and more stories from people who have moved to Colombia, check out the Navigating with SEO Hobby Expert YouTube channel. If you want help with moving, you can talk to a relocation specialist or use the concierge services linked by the creator of the video.
Final note: Everyone is in a different place, but with good planning, Colombia’s cost of living can help you be comfortable and feel safe. You can have a nice life even if you are on a modest fixed income there. If you are thinking about moving, you should do the next things. You must read about neighborhoods, talk to local people for tips, and make a budget for the way you want to live.
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