Last update: Oct 2026 Colombia 2.6M

Cost of Living in Cali

For one person, living costs in Cali are estimated at $1,060 a month, including rent and utilities – 20% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Cali

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Cali actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,060 monthly including rent, or $662 excluding housing.

$1,060 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,626 with rent, or $1,123 without housing.

$1,626 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,192 including rent, or $1,584 for daily expenses alone.

$2,192 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.32 COP 23.2K
$5.49 COP 17.4K
$9.15 COP 29.0K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$37.35 COP 118.4K
$35.79 COP 113.5K
$37.35 COP 118.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.32 COP 26.4K
$8.14 COP 25.8K
$8.49 COP 26.9K
Cappuccino
$1.52 COP 4,832
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.23 COP 3,885
$0.91 COP 2,898
$1.39 COP 4,409
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86 COP 2,728
$0.80 COP 2,533
$0.96 COP 3,053
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.11 COP 9,872
$1.61 COP 5,107
$4.61 COP 14.6K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.80 COP 12.1K
$3.80 COP 12.1K
$6.98 COP 22.1K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.54 COP 4,891
$1.17 COP 3,707
$1.94 COP 6,138
White Bread (500g)
$1.96 COP 6,203
$1.74 COP 5,528
$2.22 COP 7,039
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.48 COP 4,701
$1.34 COP 4,234
$1.53 COP 4,857
Eggs
$2.91 COP 9,242
$2.18 COP 6,907
$3.46 COP 11.0K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.31 COP 20.0K
$6.24 COP 19.8K
$6.44 COP 20.4K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.85 COP 21.7K
$6.72 COP 21.3K
$6.85 COP 21.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.22 COP 32.4K
$9.32 COP 29.5K
$10.26 COP 32.5K
Apples (1kg)
$3.45 COP 10.9K
$3.26 COP 10.3K
$3.65 COP 11.6K
Banana (1kg)
$1.40 COP 4,433
$1.29 COP 4,075
$1.40 COP 4,433
Oranges (1kg)
$1.79 COP 5,668
$1.77 COP 5,604
$1.79 COP 5,668
Tomato (1kg)
$1.65 COP 5,223
$1.64 COP 5,192
$1.66 COP 5,254
Potato (1kg)
$1.43 COP 4,539
$0.68 COP 2,145
$1.43 COP 4,539
Onion (1kg)
$1.55 COP 4,917
$1.36 COP 4,306
$1.55 COP 4,917
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.14 COP 3,613
$1.05 COP 3,320
$1.16 COP 3,678
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.94 COP 2,983
$0.60 COP 1,898
$0.97 COP 3,073
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.79 COP 12.0K
$3.79 COP 12.0K
$3.80 COP 12.0K
Wine (Bottle)
$12.94 COP 41.0K
$12.91 COP 40.9K
$12.94 COP 41.0K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.43 COP 4,539
$1.42 COP 4,508
$1.43 COP 4,539
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.55 COP 8,079
$2.52 COP 7,981
$2.55 COP 8,079
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.07 COP 3,387
$0.97 COP 3,079
$1.07 COP 3,387
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.29 COP 96.0K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.78 COP 2,488
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.34 COP 4,245
$1.31 COP 4,148
$1.35 COP 4,278
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.4K COP 112.1M
$34.4K COP 109.2M
$36.3K COP 115.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$110 COP 347.5K
$99.7 COP 316.0K
$113 COP 358.0K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.96 COP 41.1K
$6.81 COP 21.6K
$17.04 COP 54.0K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.06 COP 95.3K
$28.05 COP 89.0K
$31.90 COP 101.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$28.81 COP 91.3K
$22.00 COP 69.7K
$31.43 COP 99.6K
Cinema Ticket
$8.40 COP 26.6K
$5.71 COP 18.1K
$11.10 COP 35.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$78.4 COP 248.5K
$78.4 COP 248.5K
$78.4 COP 248.5K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$53.2 COP 168.8K
$50.5 COP 160.0K
$53.2 COP 168.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$126 COP 398.3K
$126 COP 398.3K
$126 COP 398.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$111 COP 351.4K
$105 COP 333.6K
$116 COP 369.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$655 COP 2.1M
$478 COP 1.5M
$828 COP 2.6M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$288 COP 914.6K
$288 COP 914.6K
$308 COP 977.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,558 COP 4.9M
$1,558 COP 4.9M
$1,558 COP 4.9M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$498 COP 1.6M
$440 COP 1.4M
$509 COP 1.6M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$585 COP 1.9M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.58
9.6
14

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Cali $1,060
Accommodation & Living
$288
Groceries & Markets
$239
Clothing & Footwear
$166
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$153
Eating Out
$133
Sport & Entertainment
$46
Getting Around
$35 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $655 for a central one-bedroom, or $288 outside the center. At 112% of the average salary ($585), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $585, while typical expenses reach $1,060. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $239 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $37.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $30.29 per month.

Cost Highlights

Cali has the 10th most expensive 3-bedroom apartment, city center in South America

Cappuccino is cheaper than 94% of cities in South America

1-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 93% of cities in South America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
06:49 6:49 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
2,568,609
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to COP – Colombian Peso Converter

Colombian Peso exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 3,171 COP (10,000 COP = 3.15 USD). 1 EUR = 3,565 COP (10,000 COP = 2.81 EUR).

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Cali Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Cali - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cali, Colombia stack up for value compared with other Latin American cities, for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with many regional hubs, Cali, Colombia offers a balanced feel for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll often hear that value comes from a mix of affordable housing in older or up-and-coming neighborhoods, good public transport, and inexpensive, flavorful food options. The Cost of Living in Cali, Colombia is shaped by local markets, cafe culture, and mid-range coworking spaces that stay comfortable year-round. Expect contrasts between leafy central areas and more affordable outskirts, with safety, language, and seasonal rains shaping daily routines. Tip: pick a neighborhood that aligns with your work hours and preferred pace, and test commute times before committing.
What are practical day-to-day realities when living in Cali, such as housing search, food options, transportation, and coworking or errands?
Expect a mix of options when finding a place: older apartments with character tend to be more budget-friendly, while newer buildings offer better amenities and more predictable maintenance. For daily life, you’ll find vibrant mercados, affordable street food, and dependable transit options like buses and ride-hailing apps. Car-free days are feasible if you plan around neighborhoods with overall amenities and coworking spaces nearby. For a realistic view of Cali, Colombia living cost, tally rent, utilities, and a monthly transit plan against a few meal budgets. Tip: map a few core neighborhoods and visit during different times to gauge noise, safety, and accessibility.
How would you frame a budgeting approach and neighborhood fit for a longer stay, including seasonality, safety, and lifestyle considerations?
Adopt a simple budgeting framework: split costs into housing, food, transport, and extras, then track leftovers for the month. In Cali, climate and seasonal festivals shift what you spend on entertainment and fresh produce, but local options stay flavorful and affordable compared with tourist spots. Neighborhood fit matters: Centro Histórico and surrounding districts offer walkable access; alternative residential pockets provide quieter mornings. For quality of life, build a weekly rhythm that blends coworking with cafe time, prefer safety-minded routes, and set aside a buffer for irregulars, like repairs or occasional longer trips. Tip: test monthly passes for transit and choose a flexible lease to adapt as you settle in.
Does Cali offer good value for money?
At around $1,060 monthly all-in, Cali offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
How expensive is daily life in Cali?
Everyday life in Cali is moderately priced at about $1,060 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is the average income in Cali enough to cover living costs and save?
At $585 take-home, most residents in Cali can cover the $1,060 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,590 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Cali?
Where you live in Cali makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $655; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $288. Overall, the market runs from $288 to $655 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What is a monthly transit pass in Cali?
A monthly transit pass in Cali runs about $30.29, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What does commuting cost in Cali?
A monthly transit pass in Cali goes for roughly $30.29, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Cali?
Living on $1,500 in Cali means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,060. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Cali a good city to live in long-term?
Cali offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, vibrant nightlife, remote work facilities, and at around $1,060 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Cali?
Monthly expenses in Cali run around $1,060, so putting money aside takes more than $1,590 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How budget-friendly is Cali for travelers?
Budget travel in Cali works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,060 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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