Cost of living in Colombia - 2017

Priscilla wrote:

let us know if the cost of living in Colombia has decreased or increased in the past few years.

A couple of years ago, the U.S. dollar exchange rate was between about 1,800 and 2,000 Colombian pesos or COP to the dollar.

Lately it has been fluctuating at a level of about 1,000 more pesos to the dollar.

That means that U.S. Expats get a big discount compared to 2015.  It means bargains in housing, appliances and practically everything else for those coming here with dollars .. or with access to dollars.

It has made Colombia one of the most cost-effective countries for living in South America.

The exchange rate and Colombia's pathway to peace are two major reasons why North American Expats and prospective Expats are beginning to embrace Colombia.  Did you know that the president of Colombia won the Nobel Peace Prize several months ago for his work in ending the decades-long struggle with ex-FARC rebels....

While the peace process requires implementation, the good publicity and the peace trend-line combined with the reality of buying a new condo for $20,000 .. bode well for Colombia as a major Expat destination.

cccmedia in Colombia's Zona Cafetera (Juan Valdez Coffee Zone)

There's a big difference between the lower- and higher-ends of the apartment rental spectrum.

Here in Quindio, Colombia, I recently toured a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood that was being offered furnished .. at a rate of 665,000 COP per month.  That's about $230 U.S.

Whereas I am currently renting a place in the same city for over $800 US per month.

You might wonder, why am I renting at the $800 place, not the less expensive one?  Why is my rental so much more expensive?

1.  Mine is a month-to-month rental.  The cheaper place requires a year's commitment.

2.  Mine has a top-of-the-line refrigerator.  The owner of the cheaper apartment, who is moving to China, is not a foodie, and has been living without a fridge.

3.  My apartment has a second bedroom.  The cheaper apartment has one bedroom.

4.  My apartment is in the most desirable condo-building and one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city.  Within a couple of blocks are two supermarkets, a travel agency, some pharmacies, a fruit store and a major university.  And that's just a partial list.  Also, the building and shopping-complex on the first floor are only a couple of years old.

5.  The swimming pool on the rooftop of my place is larger and nicer.

6.  TV, phone, Internet and basic utilities are included in the rent in the more-desirable place.

Keep in mind that these rents are for apartments in a city of 300,000 in the Coffee Zone.  Expect that rents in a big, Expat-friendly place like El Poblado, Medellin, will be considerably higher.

cccmedia in La Zona

While I don't recommend that anybody buy real estate in South America in Year 1, I think it's worthwhile to know that you can own a newly-built home here for less than in most USA cities.

The $20,000 condos I mentioned earlier are in the Coffee Zone cities of Pereira and Armenia.

Some of these new projects have swimming pools.  One developer is Finca Raiz.

I also don't recommend buying pre-construction here because of likely delays.

If you eventually buy into an existing condo complex that is 3-5 years old, you might be pleasantly surprised about what kind of a bargain you can get.

Keep in mind that $20,000 newish condos are probably not an option in the Expat-friendliest neighborhoods of Medellin.

Also, if you buy in Pereira, Colombia, it's highly possible that your family could be the only Gringos in the complex.

cccmedia in La Zona

I am shocked at the price of $800 for an apartment. It may be true that I live in a middle class barrio,  estrato 4 in Cali but my neighborhood is very nice with 24 hour watchmen. I live in a second floor apartment in a newer house (4 floors total). My apartment has three bedrooms, two baths, large living-dining area and large kitchen with laundry room to the side.

My landlord pays water and electricity. I pay the gas, almost always less than $10,000 pesos/month. My rent, which is being raised in April to $295.00) has been $281.00 for the past three years. i admit I'm getting a good deal as similar rents on my block typically are closer to $380-$390 but not within shouting distance of $800.

I don't have a swimming pool but I do have two playground areas a block away, one with a soccer field and a huge park a half mile walk from my apartment with all sorts of jogging trails and  rudimentary exercise equipment.

CaliRay

It is true the $USD to COP is advantageous at the moment. However, it is not an advantage to Colombia's economy. This results in price increases. If and when the $USD to COP becomes more normalized and we receive fewer cop per dollar, we will continue to live with the increased prices and therefore, increased cost of living. Imported foods typically are quite expensive, costing more than in the US.
In the meantime, avocados on the street a year ago were $2,000 cop. Today, the same avocado costs $3.000 - $4.000, quite a percentage increase. Small pineapples at local mercado a year ago cost $1.500. Today $2.500 each.
Apartment prices vary from area to area. In Poblano, be prepared to pay $2,500.000 to $3.000.000 minimum.
Outside of Poblado, apartments are more affordable, but rental prices vary

The prices are rising for Colombians and expats. It remains to be seen if the USD/COP exchange rate remains in the 2800 - 3000 range or not. Maybe a new normal is being established.

It's obvious to me that Medellin housing prices are higher than in Cali. From what I've read it's also obvious that Medellin is, in general, a more expensive place to live compared to Cali. Problano is also stratos 5-6 which are the top of the line in ranking.

Rionegro in the San Antonio distrito has new apartments for $1,000,000 COP which includes 24/7 security in a gated area. 

It's obvious that prices are going up due in part to the COP exchange rate and the government needing to collect more money to pay for social and health programs. 

I may be part of the program since now my medical visits no longer cost me anything and my four medications that i take only costs $4.00 per month. 

I no longer shop at the Mom&Pop shop sat the square here in Rionegro since i've noticed that they are charging Gringo prices.  Exito may cost a little more but at least i am able to see the prices on the items that i am purchasing.  So about 100,000 COP per week is What my wife spend on groceries per week.

Hi, Great discussion, and good for you to launch it before moving to Colombia.
BUT..... let me fine tune your discussion point.....  Like in any country, there are HUGE differences in costs depending on the region of the country and the urban/rural setting you choose.  So, you are NOT going to get accurate responses that are of much value to you.  The costs in Bogota are different in Cali or Medicine or Cartagena; depending on the product and services  you are quoting. Some regions grow certain fruit and produce certain materials or have certain labor force. Like in the U.S. a lemon costs vastly different if you purchase them in California vs. NY. Make sense?  There are regional differences. Colombia is hugely difference, country, it's a big country spanning a great area and vastly different topography.  PLUS, the rural vs. urban cost difference is even more drastic.  For instance, where I live, in  the coffee region, there are two midsize cities between me; Manizales & Pereira. I live in the middle of them both and I enjoy much cheaper cost of living in little Chinchina than in either one of those mid-size cities.  You cost of living is also based on your own preferences. If you're coming down here to live like you are used to, well, that's very different than if you wish to live a similar lifestyle of a typical average middle class Colombian in a city, or a farmer in rural Colombia. So....I suggest you first choose your budget without having to work; based on the time you are going to stay. If you have to work, well, then you have to choose a city where your skillset is required and you can get a long-term VISA. If you are not dependant on having to work, then you are free to choose your lifestyle.***

You can rent a 3 bedroom house, nice...for $200 USD in the city of 50,000 people where I live.....   You can not do that in a bigger city...... and you have no need for gated communities..... None.

Texas Bred wrote:

Rionegro in the San Antonio distrito has new apartments for $1,000,000 COP which includes 24/7 security in a gated area.

That's $341 US given the current exchange rate.

Rionegro is home to Medellín's international airport .. and is about 45 minutes from the big city when traffic conditions are favorable.

At somewhat higher altitude than Medellín, Rionegro's air is often cooler.

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera

Texas Bred wrote:

Rionegro in the San Antonio distrito has new apartments for $1,000,000 COP which includes 24/7 security in a gated area.

That's $341 US given the current exchange rate.  Perhaps Texas Bred would like to tell us how many bedrooms you get for that rent.

Rionegro is home to Medellín's international airport .. and is about a 45-minute drive from the big city when traffic conditions are favorable.

At higher altitude than Medellín (6,972 feet) , Rionegro's air is often cool.  The average-high monthly temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit* or 24 Celcius throughout the year, except for May (77 F.) and November (73 F.)  The record high on any date is in the mid-80's.

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera


* Altitude and weather statistics are per Wikipedia.  Available population figures range between 76,000 and 101,000 in recent years prior to 2013.

Anyone paying more than 800 us dollars for anything in Medellin is being ripped off. especially at the current exchange rate of 3000.  I don't care if its furnished  day to day week to week  or minute to minute.  Don't pay some trapped gringos monthly note or some Colombian dreamers huge rent demand. Most of the places sit  empty for months at a time. Don't listen to holiday rate weekend rate blah blah blah. You can live in the nicest areas for $800 easy.  The monthly minimum in the country is next to nothing  don't get sucked  into gringo realtors or Colombians that speak a few words of English giving you a deal. Find an owner make your best deal alone.  Been back and fourth to Medellin for almost 15 years

.....or you can live in Manizales for $300 or Chinchina for $200... LOL

glengalindo wrote:

live in Manizales for $300 or Chinchina for $200... LOL

At lower elevation -- and thus milder -- than chilly Manizales, Chinchiná is about a half an hour's drive from Caldas's larger departmental capital.  Chinchiná's population is either 52,000 or 84,000, depending on which Wikipedia site you visit.

Adding a touch of danger to both cities is proximity to the 17,000-feet-high Ruiz volcano, which has been in an eruptive stage for the past 150,000 years.

You save an extra $100 a month on rent in Chinchiná.   However, the municipality is not exactly on Gringo radar.  You might have to drive to Pereira to find an Expat meetup where you can converse in English with someone. 

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera (Quindío)

Precisely because it is not Gringo Radar is why you want to visit cities like Chinchina. 52,000 in the main city, but if you count the veredas then it goes up to 84. Been living here for 3 years.***

I agree. I dont live in Medellin and dont want to! I do live a little over an hour east. But ive got a couple buddies that have nice places there -in the penthouses in Poblado and dont pay $800 USD.

Floridaray wrote:

i've got a couple buddies that have nice places there in the penthouses in Poblado and don't pay $800 USD.

Meaning they pay less than $800, Ray?  For how many bedrooms?

Do they have a swimming pool?

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera

Ccc, one has a pooĺ and they both  purchest them  few years ago. Stilĺ, price seems high to me
But since  they got theirs years  ago Imnot sure currret market prices...but thats double my rent and ive got pretty cool place. Hey ccc did you.move to mantezles?!  How do you like it? Honest rental prices 3 bed two bedròom house in safe neigjboodjood? Good med cre close??  Prob to much to ask at one time. Jajaj. Just seems like a way coolce!!
Rah

Manizales -- not me, Ray.

I've been in Quindío for three months, and it will be on to Medellín in April.

I came in on a 90-day tourist stamp.  Last week I extended for an additional 90 days.    

The personal extension at Migratorio was easy.  The car extension was trickier only because the DIAN office is in a remote location in Zona Franca and I had to bring in the car.

Based on what I've seen healthcare-wise at the main hospital and the big clinic here I'd prefer Medellín for that.  That preference is based, in part, on reports stating that Medellín has some of the best healthcare facilities in South America.

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera

Floridaray wrote:

Ccc, one has a pooĺ and they both  purchest them a few years ago. Stilĺ, price seems high to me.
But since  they got theirs years  ago, I'm not sure of current market prices...but thats double my rent and I've got a pretty cool place.

I'm confused, Ray.

You first mentioned that your buddies were paying (apparently) less than $800 (per month?) for their places in El Poblado.  I took that to mean they're paying rent.

Now you say they bought their apartments.

--------

"Price seems high" -- what price range, how many bedrooms are we discussing?

cccmedia in La Zona

Ccc i made a mistake. Long story but I misunderstood apparently what they were telling me...and especialy poblado prices. Sorry for confusion. No se!

Hi,
I have all the information. It's just that I tend to forget password of this site.

CCC in San Antonio sec of Rionegro I have a 4 BR 3 full bath two story house. Rent is 1.2 million. High speed Wifi and cable 144 mil and those are my biggest bills. This is a super safe area and many Colombians speak English. Prob 20 gringos at least here and I'm friends with several but not all...my choice. Sick of listening to trump supporters amongst some of them. Although one of my best gringo friends here have now agreed our friendship most important so do not discuss the orange haired one.
As you mentioned it does get chilly here at night...I wear a jacket. But days almost always comfortable and rains mainley at night which I like. Actually I really like Colombia...especially the people.
Do you know anything about that crab migration on providencia island? Time and cost?
Thanks bro!!

Floridaray, have to agree to leave politics out of the conversation.  Know of one Gringo here in Rionegro that we finally had to part ways with because that was all he could talk about.

Rionegro is a great place to live and the people seem friendly.  But it's growing fast.

Know of five other gringos here in Rionegro.  Perhaps it's time to try and get them together?

CCC have to state that my wife is a supervising nurse, and has worked in several of the hospitals in Medellin.  I too, thought that a bigger city meant better health services.  I would've thought that Bogota would offer the best in services? But my wife said, that Rionegro offers the same, if not better, services in health.

Tex,
Dont know who ur referring to but a good idea.ha
But yeah this place is growing fast! Hell i just met 2 brit young ladies today in the parque only been here a week. But as you know new apt towers going up everywhere! A lot of people in my neighborhood live in medellin but escape to here on weekends. Same llanogrande.
And wow the healthcare! Sometimes i know people have to see some spec in medellin but mostly everything right here. I just go to clinica somer which i find to be a very modern hospital with great staff. I have sura insurance but never used it so far. Wait i used it for getting my teeth cleaned...with a dentist vs a hygentist. That was a surprise!  Also when i first got here one of my gringo friends took me to somer and i got about 7 or 8 vacs: hep a and b yellow fever tetnus pnumonia etc. Just walked right in and paid private and less than $100 usd for all. But yeah i dont know about most places in colombia but healthcare rionegro area really good imho. ;-)
I do wish they had a vac (apparently none available yet) for dengue fever. When i first grad UF i taught English a few years in Taiwan and got it. 2 weeks from hell in an intensive care unit. Almost freaking died. And i come from the land of mosquitos. Never really worried about them until then. But i almost never even see a mosquito here in the mtns. So nbd.