Cost of Living in Monteria - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $739 monthly including rent, or $412 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,136 with rent, or $762 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,532 including rent, or $1,112 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.80 COP 17.3K
$3.37 COP 12.1K
$7.93 COP 28.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.03 COP 112.0K
$19.09 COP 68.9K
$41.77 COP 150.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.21 COP 26.0K
$6.00 COP 21.6K
$9.60 COP 34.7K
Cappuccino
$1.70 COP 6,133
$0.72 COP 2,588
$4.75 COP 17.2K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.92 COP 3,334
$0.65 COP 2,360
$1.50 COP 5,432
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.64 COP 2,324
$0.50 COP 1,799
$1.48 COP 5,360
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.35 COP 4,862
$0.74 COP 2,668
$2.43 COP 8,773
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 COP 7,076
$0.98 COP 3,538
$3.41 COP 12.3K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.95 COP 3,427
$0.60 COP 2,177
$1.92 COP 6,925
White Bread (500g)
$1.33 COP 4,811
$0.75 COP 2,702
$3.97 COP 14.3K
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.01 COP 3,655
$0.71 COP 2,566
$2.60 COP 9,385
Eggs
$1.46 COP 5,275
$1.37 COP 4,948
$2.78 COP 10.0K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.61 COP 16.6K
$2.43 COP 8,775
$8.52 COP 30.7K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.93 COP 10.6K
$2.93 COP 10.6K
$6.98 COP 25.2K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.81 COP 13.8K
$3.81 COP 13.8K
$8.59 COP 31.0K
Apples (1kg)
$2.00 COP 7,202
$1.75 COP 6,311
$6.59 COP 23.8K
Banana (1kg)
$0.49 COP 1,782
$0.49 COP 1,782
$1.65 COP 5,939
Oranges (1kg)
$0.93 COP 3,366
$0.74 COP 2,672
$3.34 COP 12.0K
Tomato (1kg)
$0.84 COP 3,028
$0.63 COP 2,280
$3.87 COP 14.0K
Potato (1kg)
$0.90 COP 3,254
$0.59 COP 2,135
$0.94 COP 3,394
Onion (1kg)
$0.96 COP 3,450
$0.96 COP 3,450
$1.67 COP 6,011
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.82 COP 2,961
$0.47 COP 1,692
$2.36 COP 8,531
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.49 COP 1,772
$0.37 COP 1,329
$0.87 COP 3,137
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.78 COP 10.0K
$2.56 COP 9,235
$2.90 COP 10.5K
Wine (Bottle)
$10.07 COP 36.3K
$5.03 COP 18.2K
$15.37 COP 55.5K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.89 COP 3,228
$0.63 COP 2,274
$1.23 COP 4,439
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.28 COP 4,638
$0.96 COP 3,461
$2.39 COP 8,634
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.72 COP 2,615
$0.67 COP 2,429
$0.82 COP 2,952
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.88 COP 107.9K
$7.23 COP 26.1K
$39.76 COP 143.5K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.96 COP 7,086
$1.47 COP 5,296
$2.45 COP 8,839
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.92 COP 10.5K
$2.44 COP 8,793
$2.92 COP 10.5K
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.28 COP 15.4K
$3.56 COP 12.9K
$5.94 COP 21.4K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00 COP 3,627
$0.87 COP 3,136
$1.14 COP 4,119
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$14.1K COP 50.9M
$14.1K COP 50.9M
$15.8K COP 57.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.2K COP 80.0M
$20.4K COP 73.5M
$33.8K COP 122.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$97.3 COP 351.3K
$97.3 COP 351.3K
$177 COP 639.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.36 COP 26.6K
$6.13 COP 22.1K
$9.82 COP 35.4K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$19.47 COP 70.3K
$19.47 COP 70.3K
$23.86 COP 86.1K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.66 COP 85.4K
$16.15 COP 58.3K
$29.38 COP 106.0K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.73 COP 35.1K
-
Cinema Ticket
$3.76 COP 13.6K
$2.83 COP 10.2K
$5.88 COP 21.2K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$170 COP 614.2K
$170 COP 614.2K
$170 COP 614.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,837 COP 6.6M
$1,470 COP 5.3M
$4,410 COP 15.9M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$60.7 COP 219.0K
$48.53 COP 175.2K
$67.9 COP 245.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.28 COP 69.6K
$19.28 COP 69.6K
$72.3 COP 261.0K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$60.3 COP 217.5K
$60.3 COP 217.5K
$108 COP 391.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$36.19 COP 130.6K
$36.19 COP 130.6K
$84.4 COP 304.8K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$288 COP 1.0M
$185 COP 667.5K
$296 COP 1.1M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$240 COP 865.8K
$122 COP 440.2K
$329 COP 1.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$522 COP 1.9M
$323 COP 1.2M
$689 COP 2.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$434 COP 1.6M
$221 COP 798.1K
$516 COP 1.9M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,769 COP 6.4M
$1,243 COP 4.5M
$2,121 COP 7.7M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,383 COP 5.0M
$843 COP 3.0M
$1,573 COP 5.7M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$362 COP 1.3M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
10
10
10

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

Last update: April 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $288 for a central one-bedroom, or $240 outside the center. At around 79% of the average salary ($362), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $362, while typical expenses reach $739. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $134 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $31 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $30 per month.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 96% of cities in South America

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 95% of cities in South America

Eggs is cheaper than 95% of cities in South America

Monteria 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
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Cost of Living in Monteria - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monteria an affordable choice for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to larger Colombian cities?
Compared with Bogotá or Medellín, Monteria often offers a friendlier price-to-value balance for daily life and a relaxed pace that suits travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Cost of Living in Monteria tends to feel accessible if you enjoy warm weather, fresh produce, and local eateries. Housing can be affordable in certain districts, especially outside the core centro, while co-working and casual work perks are present but sparser than in bigger cities. Transportation remains practical with buses and rideshares, and you can navigate without high costs if you plan ahead. Tip: start with short-term leases to test neighborhoods and your budget.
What does daily life look like in Monteria regarding housing search, groceries, transport, and coworking options?
Daily life centers on accessible amenities and a friendly local scene. For housing search, you will find a mix of options – from green, leafy neighborhoods to more urban cores – often with monthly rents that reflect size and location. Groceries and casual eats come at modest prices, especially if you shop at markets and support local producers. Transport hinges on bus routes and ride-hailing options, with compact driving becoming common in smaller towns nearby. Co-working spaces exist, but you may choose cafés for focus, balancing noise and atmosphere. Monteria living cost varies by area, season, and lifestyle – plan with a flexible budget. Tip: map a few neighborhoods before committing to a place.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood fit help you maximize quality of life in Monteria, considering seasonality and lifestyle?
A practical budgeting framework helps you align costs with your lifestyle. List essentials (rent, utilities, groceries) and discretionary items, then set simple monthly caps for each category. In Monteria, seasonality can shift shopping and leisure patterns, so adjust plans for busier weekends or festivals. Neighborhood choice shapes your costs and daily rhythm: central areas are convenient, quieter zones feel more relaxed, and proximity to the river can affect ambiance and prices. Track transport, co-working, and dining habits, and mix cooking with occasional meals out. Tip: build a small cushion for unexpected repairs or trips and revisit your plan every few weeks.
Why is Monteria considered affordable?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Monteria is just cheap – all-in costs average $739 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
Is Monteria expensive to live in?
Your money goes further in Monteria than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $739 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Can you save money on an average salary in Monteria?
At $362 take-home, most residents in Monteria can cover the $739 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,109 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Monteria?
Where you live in Monteria makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $288; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $240. Overall, the market runs from $240 to $288 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Monteria?
Fitness in Monteria is cheap at around $23.66 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Monteria?
Monteria is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $134, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $2,000 a month in Monteria?
$2,000 stretches far in Monteria – all-in monthly costs average only $739. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Monteria?
Monteria offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, vibrant nightlife, wellness scene, and at around $739 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Monteria?
Monthly expenses in Monteria run around $739, so putting money aside takes more than $1,109 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Monteria good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love Monteria – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $739 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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