At a Glance
Cost of Living
low
Safety
moderate
English Level
low
Climate
Varies by altitude: tropical coast, temperate highlands, cooler mountains
Essentials
Cost of Living
Colombia offers exceptional value with a comfortable lifestyle possible on $1,500-2,500/month. Medellin and Bogota are most popular, with coastal cities like Cartagena slightly pricier for tourists but affordable for residents.
Healthcare
Colombia's healthcare system ranks #22 globally by WHO - above the US, Canada, and Australia. Expats can access quality care affordably through the EPS public system or private prepagada plans.
Housing
Furnished apartments are the norm for expats. Expect $500-1,500/month for a comfortable 1BR in popular neighborhoods. Short-term rentals available but long-term (6-12 months) offers better value.
Banking
Opening a Colombian bank account requires a cedula de extranjeria, which means having a visa valid for 180+ days. Digital options like Dale and Nequi offer alternatives for those without cedula.
Lifestyle
Working Remotely
Colombia has embraced digital nomads with a dedicated visa. Medellin ranks among top cities globally for remote work with excellent internet, coworking spaces, and digital nomad community.
Language
Spanish is essential for daily life in Colombia. English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. Colombian Spanish is considered one of the clearest and easiest to learn - great for Spanish learners.
Transportation
Colombia has modern public transit in major cities (Metro in Medellin, TransMilenio in Bogota) plus ubiquitous ride-hailing. Most expats don't need cars. Uber/DiDi are essential - never take street taxis.
Expat Community
Colombia has a thriving expat community, especially in Medellin. Facebook groups, meetups, and coworking spaces make connecting easy. The community is diverse - digital nomads, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents.
More Topics
Safety
Colombia has improved dramatically since the 1990s but requires awareness. Major cities are generally safe in tourist/expat areas. Understanding local safety norms is essential - "no dar papaya" (don't give opportunity).
Taxes
Colombia taxes residents on worldwide income. Becoming a tax resident is automatic after 183 days in country. Rates are progressive (0-39%). Some exemptions exist for pensions and certain income types.
Climate & Weather
Colombia's climate varies by altitude, not season. Medellin enjoys "eternal spring" (70-80F year-round). Bogota is cooler (sweater weather). Caribbean coast is hot and humid. No heating or AC needed in many cities.