Last update: Oct 2026 Colombia 392.9K

Cost of Living in Pasto

For one person, living costs in Pasto are estimated at $799 a month, including rent and utilities – 39% 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 Pasto

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

Living costs for one person come to about $799 monthly including rent, or $478 excluding housing.

$799 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,210 with rent, or $801 without housing.

$1,210 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,622 including rent, or $1,124 for daily expenses alone.

$1,622 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.98 COP 12.6K
$3.06 COP 9,699
$8.56 COP 27.1K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$23.79 COP 75.4K
$17.08 COP 54.2K
$48.81 COP 154.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.46 COP 23.7K
$6.21 COP 19.7K
$9.26 COP 29.4K
Cappuccino
$1.56 COP 4,934
$0.74 COP 2,354
$2.46 COP 7,804
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86 COP 2,724
$0.70 COP 2,209
$1.69 COP 5,357
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.61 COP 1,943
$0.50 COP 1,581
$1.26 COP 3,984
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.16 COP 3,666
$0.72 COP 2,288
$2.39 COP 7,583
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.20 COP 6,968
$1.46 COP 4,635
$4.04 COP 12.8K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 COP 3,464
$0.74 COP 2,342
$1.69 COP 5,357
White Bread (500g)
$1.29 COP 4,088
$0.76 COP 2,414
$1.97 COP 6,244
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.18 COP 3,744
$0.62 COP 1,969
$1.73 COP 5,486
Eggs
$2.14 COP 6,771
$1.34 COP 4,243
$3.43 COP 10.9K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.61 COP 14.6K
$2.47 COP 7,824
$8.17 COP 25.9K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.26 COP 16.7K
$2.41 COP 7,639
$7.72 COP 24.5K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.29 COP 23.1K
$5.47 COP 17.3K
$10.82 COP 34.3K
Apples (1kg)
$2.44 COP 7,748
$1.28 COP 4,045
$3.56 COP 11.3K
Banana (1kg)
$1.04 COP 3,302
$0.69 COP 2,181
$2.14 COP 6,791
Oranges (1kg)
$1.30 COP 4,108
$0.70 COP 2,224
$1.89 COP 5,992
Tomato (1kg)
$1.07 COP 3,379
$0.50 COP 1,596
$2.14 COP 6,790
Potato (1kg)
$1.15 COP 3,648
$0.59 COP 1,856
$1.96 COP 6,208
Onion (1kg)
$1.13 COP 3,586
$0.52 COP 1,652
$1.67 COP 5,300
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.80 COP 2,537
$0.44 COP 1,389
$1.15 COP 3,655
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.64 COP 2,041
$0.35 COP 1,097
$1.28 COP 4,052
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.37 COP 7,509
$2.25 COP 7,132
$3.12 COP 9,897
Wine (Bottle)
$9.81 COP 31.1K
$4.77 COP 15.1K
$15.91 COP 50.4K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.09 COP 3,443
$0.75 COP 2,388
$1.44 COP 4,559
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.77 COP 5,599
$1.10 COP 3,487
$3.00 COP 9,502
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.72 COP 2,271
$0.67 COP 2,109
$0.82 COP 2,595
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.39 COP 96.4K
$7.36 COP 23.3K
$40.44 COP 128.2K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.43 COP 4,532
$1.06 COP 3,375
$1.91 COP 6,063
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.79 COP 5,688
$1.24 COP 3,933
$2.48 COP 7,866
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.98 COP 18.9K
$3.59 COP 11.4K
$10.77 COP 34.1K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.93 COP 2,958
$0.89 COP 2,836
$0.98 COP 3,111
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.1K COP 57.2M
$14.6K COP 46.4M
$18.8K COP 59.6M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K COP 81.6M
$22.1K COP 70.2M
$29.5K COP 93.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$83.4 COP 264.4K
$54.8 COP 173.8K
$152 COP 480.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.89 COP 28.2K
$5.93 COP 18.8K
$15.42 COP 48.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.38 COP 71.0K
$16.71 COP 53.0K
$35.46 COP 112.4K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.02 COP 73.0K
$15.72 COP 49.8K
$28.58 COP 90.6K
Cinema Ticket
$3.89 COP 12.3K
$2.88 COP 9,119
$7.19 COP 22.8K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$235 COP 744.6K
$155 COP 492.2K
$478 COP 1.5M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,071 COP 19.2M
$4,442 COP 14.1M
$8,885 COP 28.2M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.6 COP 185.6K
$27.05 COP 85.8K
$84.2 COP 266.8K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.60 COP 103.4K
$16.90 COP 53.6K
$60.4 COP 191.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.4 COP 261.4K
$59.9 COP 190.0K
$144 COP 455.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$71.8 COP 227.6K
$43.06 COP 136.5K
$144 COP 455.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$269 COP 851.9K
$185 COP 586.8K
$299 COP 946.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$237 COP 751.4K
$133 COP 420.2K
$343 COP 1.1M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$530 COP 1.7M
$331 COP 1.1M
$709 COP 2.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$415 COP 1.3M
$229 COP 727.1K
$567 COP 1.8M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,429 COP 4.5M
$927 COP 2.9M
$1,753 COP 5.6M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,069 COP 3.4M
$650 COP 2.1M
$1,135 COP 3.6M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.06
9.55
18

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Pasto $799
Accommodation & Living
$237
Groceries & Markets
$173
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$115
Clothing & Footwear
$110
Eating Out
$89
Getting Around
$44
Sport & Entertainment
$31

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $173 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $24.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $30.39 per month.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 96% of cities in South America

Cappuccino is cheaper than 93% of cities in South America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
11:30 11:30 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
392,930
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to COP – Colombian Peso Converter

Colombian Peso exchange rates as of October 18, 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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Pasto Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Pasto - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasto affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other Colombian cities?
Pasto offers a value-oriented base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who don’t need a big-city skyline to feel connected. You’ll find practical housing options, a lively local market, and affordable casual dining that fits a flexible budget. If you favor a slower pace with easy access to mountains and historic streets, the lifestyle can be very rewarding. Cost of Living in [location] is often considered approachable, especially when you compare daily needs to larger coastal capitals, thanks to locally produced goods and straightforward services. Neighborhoods around the historic center tend to be walkable, while outlying areas can be quieter and more budget-friendly. Tip: set monthly caps on housing, food, and transport to stay balanced.
What does daily life look like, including housing search, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Pasto blends practicality with a strong sense of local color. For housing, search near the historic center or university-adjacent areas to balance walkability and rent; longer leases often unlock fairer rates. Food options range from busy markets to small eateries offering traditional dishes, which helps you keep meals inexpensive without sacrificing flavor. Transport is commonly walkable for short trips, with buses and taxis covering longer hops. If you work remotely, several cafés and small coworking spaces provide reliable wifi during the day. The [location] living cost note crept into everyday errands, helping you plan ahead. Tip: Build a small buffer for seasonal price changes and use markets to stretch your budget.
What should you know about the quality of life and budgeting to maximize value in Pasto?
Quality of life in Pasto shines for those who value community and outdoor access. A simple budgeting framework helps: start with essential costs, then allocate for leisure and travel, and reserve a small cushion for repairs or contingency. Seasonality can affect prices for fresh produce and utilities, so plan grocery trips around market days and afternoon heat. Neighborhood fit matters: Centro Historico keeps you close to events, while quieter hillsides offer scenic views and lower noise. Embrace flexible routines to save on transport, and consider cooperative spaces or language exchanges to deepen your stay. Tip: explore different districts at different times to gauge vibe before committing.
Is Pasto a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Pasto than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $799 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Pasto?
All in, Pasto runs about $799 monthly with rent, or $478 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Pasto?
Earning $1,198 monthly in Pasto 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.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Pasto?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Pasto range from $237 to $269, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Pasto?
A monthly transit pass in Pasto runs about $30.39, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Pasto?
Groceries in Pasto cost around $173 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Pasto?
$1,200 stretches far in Pasto – all-in monthly costs average only $799. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What makes Pasto attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Pasto is comfortable for most – total costs run about $799 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
How much can you save per month in Pasto?
Monthly expenses in Pasto run around $799, so putting money aside takes more than $1,198 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Pasto?
Budget travelers love Pasto – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $799 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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