Cost of Living in Cucuta - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $703 monthly including rent, or $422 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,114 with rent, or $747 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,524 including rent, or $1,073 for daily expenses alone.

Currency
Do you live in Cucuta? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.69 COP 13.2K
$3.69 COP 13.2K
$10.21 COP 36.5K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$23.71 COP 84.7K
$21.89 COP 78.2K
$25.54 COP 91.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.47 COP 26.7K
$6.21 COP 22.2K
$9.08 COP 32.4K
Cappuccino
$0.99 COP 3,526
$0.74 COP 2,654
$2.46 COP 8,797
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.89 COP 3,173
$0.72 COP 2,574
$1.75 COP 6,240
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34 COP 1,230
$0.34 COP 1,230
$1.16 COP 4,133
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.15 COP 4,110
$0.71 COP 2,543
$2.36 COP 8,430
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22 COP 7,913
$1.47 COP 5,263
$4.08 COP 14.6K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.86 COP 3,085
$0.74 COP 2,649
$1.70 COP 6,061
White Bread (500g)
$0.92 COP 3,301
$0.71 COP 2,552
$1.85 COP 6,601
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.94 COP 3,368
$0.59 COP 2,118
$1.65 COP 5,902
Eggs
$2.21 COP 7,899
$1.38 COP 4,928
$3.54 COP 12.6K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.30 COP 18.9K
$2.40 COP 8,587
$7.96 COP 28.4K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.26 COP 18.8K
$2.41 COP 8,609
$7.72 COP 27.6K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.33 COP 26.2K
$5.67 COP 20.3K
$10.87 COP 38.8K
Apples (1kg)
$2.42 COP 8,652
$1.26 COP 4,517
$3.53 COP 12.6K
Banana (1kg)
$0.75 COP 2,672
$0.72 COP 2,562
$2.23 COP 7,979
Oranges (1kg)
$0.75 COP 2,692
$0.74 COP 2,655
$2.00 COP 7,154
Tomato (1kg)
$0.63 COP 2,254
$0.50 COP 1,773
$2.24 COP 8,017
Potato (1kg)
$0.75 COP 2,686
$0.60 COP 2,134
$2.00 COP 7,137
Onion (1kg)
$0.59 COP 2,093
$0.51 COP 1,819
$1.63 COP 5,833
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.63 COP 2,238
$0.47 COP 1,688
$1.24 COP 4,440
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.72 COP 2,566
$0.35 COP 1,265
$1.31 COP 4,675
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.39 COP 8,530
$2.27 COP 8,096
$3.19 COP 11.4K
Wine (Bottle)
$10.81 COP 38.6K
$5.39 COP 19.2K
$16.21 COP 57.9K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.09 COP 3,900
$0.76 COP 2,705
$1.45 COP 5,165
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.79 COP 6,398
$1.12 COP 3,985
$3.10 COP 11.1K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.70 COP 2,483
$0.66 COP 2,374
$0.81 COP 2,885
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.51 COP 105.4K
$7.14 COP 25.5K
$39.26 COP 140.2K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.43 COP 5,103
$1.06 COP 3,801
$1.91 COP 6,828
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.51 COP 5,390
$1.23 COP 4,407
$2.47 COP 8,814
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.09 COP 18.2K
$3.55 COP 12.7K
$10.65 COP 38.0K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.99 COP 3,522
$0.96 COP 3,412
$1.03 COP 3,668
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.2K COP 65.0M
$14.7K COP 52.7M
$18.9K COP 67.6M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.9K COP 92.4M
$22.0K COP 78.7M
$29.4K COP 104.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$86.4 COP 308.5K
$55.2 COP 197.2K
$148 COP 528.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.04 COP 32.3K
$8.44 COP 30.2K
$9.65 COP 34.5K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$19.60 COP 70.0K
$17.15 COP 61.3K
$36.03 COP 128.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.64 COP 84.4K
$16.13 COP 57.6K
$29.34 COP 104.8K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.79 COP 31.4K
-
Cinema Ticket
$3.87 COP 13.8K
$2.86 COP 10.2K
$7.14 COP 25.5K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$331 COP 1.2M
$294 COP 1.1M
$368 COP 1.3M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,202 COP 15.0M
$1,459 COP 5.2M
$6,945 COP 24.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.2 COP 211.5K
$30.42 COP 108.6K
$85.1 COP 304.0K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.31 COP 118.9K
$17.27 COP 61.7K
$61.7 COP 220.3K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$81.8 COP 292.0K
$59.4 COP 212.2K
$143 COP 509.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$71.7 COP 256.0K
$44.40 COP 158.6K
$148 COP 528.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$252 COP 900.5K
$217 COP 773.8K
$288 COP 1.0M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$171 COP 610.6K
$122 COP 436.1K
$330 COP 1.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$586 COP 2.1M
$493 COP 1.8M
$680 COP 2.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$357 COP 1.3M
$214 COP 764.0K
$499 COP 1.8M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,554 COP 5.5M
$1,077 COP 3.8M
$2,031 COP 7.3M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,144 COP 4.1M
$813 COP 2.9M
$1,475 COP 5.3M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$454 COP 1.6M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.18
9.55
18

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $252 for a central one-bedroom, or $171 outside the center. At 56% of the average salary ($454), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $454, while typical expenses reach $703. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $163 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $24.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $29.51 per month.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is cheaper than 97% of cities in South America

White bread is cheaper than 96% of cities in South America

Local beer is cheaper than 90% of cities in South America

Cucuta Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Cucuta - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cucuta stack up on affordability, and who tends to get the best value here?
Compared with larger coastal cities and the capital, Cucuta generally offers a friendlier price tag for everyday living. This makes it appealing to travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a solid base without overspending. You can find comfortable apartments at reasonable rents, steady access to fresh produce, and affordable local transport, all within a walkable center or a short ride away. It’s not the cheapest in every category, but the overall balance leans toward value, especially if you focus on practical housing and daily errands. Cost of Living in Cucuta, Colombia remains encouraging for thoughtful budgeting. Tip: Start with a modest housing plan and test routines before expanding your budget.
What does daily life look like in Cucuta, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Cucuta blends practicality and perks. For housing, start with short-term stays to scope neighborhoods, then negotiate leases with patience and clear terms. Food options range from lively mercados to casual eateries and fresh bakery counters, so you can cook at home or enjoy inexpensive meals out. Transport is affordable and flexible: buses, shared taxis, and occasional moto-taxis cover most routes, while rideshares can fill gaps late at night. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable wifi support remote work, errands are simple in the city center. Cucuta, Colombia living cost varies by district, so explore before committing. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods, then ask locals about safety, access to amenities, and the best markets to frequent.
What’s the quality of life like and how should you budget to stay comfortable year-round?
Quality of life in the city comes from a balanced pace, easy access to services, and the option to tailor your days around weather and work. A practical budgeting framework is to separate needs from wants, allocate for housing, food, transport, and occasional trips, and leave a buffer for contingencies. Save by shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and choosing low-cost transit options; you can also blend social life with low-cost activities like outdoor strolls and community events. Seasonal shifts influence outdoor plans and travel, so build flexible routines and consider proximity to amenities when choosing a neighborhood. Tip: List your essentials, test a two-week routine in a few areas, and adjust your budget as you learn which costs matter most.
How affordable is daily life in Cucuta?
Your money goes further in Cucuta than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $703 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How much of a salary does housing take in Cucuta?
With 56% of the average paycheck going to rent, Cucuta is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How much should you earn to live well in Cucuta?
Earning $1,055 monthly in Cucuta means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much should I budget for housing in Cucuta?
Where you live in Cucuta makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $252; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $171. Overall, the market runs from $171 to $252 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Cucuta?
A monthly transit pass in Cucuta goes for roughly $29.51, 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.
What are kindergarten prices in Cucuta?
Childcare averages $331 monthly at a private kindergarten in Cucuta. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Cucuta?
$1,000 stretches far in Cucuta – all-in monthly costs average only $703. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Cucuta a good place to retire?
Retirement in Cucuta is comfortable for most – total costs run about $703 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Cucuta?
Monthly expenses in Cucuta run around $703, so putting money aside takes more than $1,055 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can you backpack through Cucuta cheaply?
Budget travelers love Cucuta – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $703 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

Cucuta vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities