Cost of Living in San Juan de Pasto - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $747 monthly including rent, or $396 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,085 with rent, or $683 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,423 including rent, or $970 for daily expenses alone.

Currency
Do you live in San Juan de Pasto? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.77 COP 9,002
$1.93 COP 6,259
$3.60 COP 11.7K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$12.21 COP 39.7K
$11.72 COP 38.1K
$20.77 COP 67.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.35 COP 20.6K
$3.02 COP 9,831
$9.67 COP 31.4K
Cappuccino
$1.76 COP 5,713
$1.49 COP 4,844
$1.99 COP 6,481
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.70 COP 2,267
$0.50 COP 1,624
$0.90 COP 2,910
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.45 COP 1,472
$0.35 COP 1,127
$0.54 COP 1,754
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.21 COP 3,933
$0.72 COP 2,354
$1.69 COP 5,481
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.44 COP 7,947
$2.32 COP 7,553
$2.94 COP 9,556
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 COP 3,548
$0.74 COP 2,398
$1.69 COP 5,486
White Bread (500g)
$1.23 COP 4,008
$0.73 COP 2,386
$1.90 COP 6,171
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.14 COP 3,692
$0.60 COP 1,941
$1.66 COP 5,410
Eggs
$1.92 COP 6,231
$1.76 COP 5,737
$2.06 COP 6,693
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.95 COP 19.3K
$5.14 COP 16.7K
$6.85 COP 22.3K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.27 COP 13.9K
$3.66 COP 11.9K
$4.88 COP 15.9K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.32 COP 23.8K
$5.67 COP 18.4K
$10.86 COP 35.3K
Apples (1kg)
$1.59 COP 5,153
$1.46 COP 4,759
$1.72 COP 5,580
Banana (1kg)
$1.07 COP 3,477
$0.69 COP 2,233
$2.14 COP 6,954
Oranges (1kg)
$1.31 COP 4,247
$0.71 COP 2,299
$1.91 COP 6,195
Tomato (1kg)
$0.86 COP 2,809
$0.47 COP 1,515
$2.11 COP 6,849
Potato (1kg)
$1.11 COP 3,602
$0.56 COP 1,832
$1.89 COP 6,129
Onion (1kg)
$1.12 COP 3,634
$0.52 COP 1,675
$1.65 COP 5,372
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.83 COP 2,692
$0.45 COP 1,474
$1.19 COP 3,878
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.68 COP 2,224
$0.37 COP 1,195
$1.36 COP 4,414
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.41 COP 7,821
$2.28 COP 7,423
$3.21 COP 10.4K
Wine (Bottle)
$15.27 COP 49.6K
$12.21 COP 39.7K
$15.27 COP 49.6K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.09 COP 3,532
$0.75 COP 2,450
$1.44 COP 4,677
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.77 COP 5,740
$1.10 COP 3,575
$3.06 COP 9,938
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.58 COP 1,885
$0.55 COP 1,784
$0.60 COP 1,952
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.46 COP 95.8K
$7.13 COP 23.2K
$39.20 COP 127.5K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.52 COP 4,956
$1.51 COP 4,923
$1.53 COP 4,989
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.48 COP 4,827
$1.46 COP 4,761
$1.51 COP 4,925
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.03 COP 19.6K
$3.62 COP 11.8K
$10.87 COP 35.3K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.96 COP 3,133
$0.89 COP 2,895
$1.05 COP 3,406
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.6K COP 57.3M
$14.3K COP 46.4M
$18.3K COP 59.6M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.6K COP 83.1M
$21.8K COP 70.7M
$29.0K COP 94.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$61.3 COP 199.4K
$40.63 COP 132.1K
$71.7 COP 233.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.32 COP 23.8K
$7.32 COP 23.8K
$7.32 COP 23.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$23.14 COP 75.2K
$15.83 COP 51.5K
$29.23 COP 95.0K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$22.17 COP 72.1K
$22.17 COP 72.1K
$22.17 COP 72.1K
Cinema Ticket
$3.92 COP 12.7K
$2.90 COP 9,413
$7.23 COP 23.5K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$241 COP 784.3K
$159 COP 518.5K
$491 COP 1.6M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,884 COP 19.1M
$4,305 COP 14.0M
$8,611 COP 28.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.9 COP 191.5K
$30.24 COP 98.3K
$84.7 COP 275.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.06 COP 104.2K
$16.62 COP 54.0K
$59.4 COP 193.1K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.7 COP 268.8K
$60.1 COP 195.4K
$144 COP 468.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$53.3 COP 173.3K
$48.45 COP 157.5K
$58.1 COP 189.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$308 COP 1.0M
$246 COP 801.2K
$370 COP 1.2M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$236 COP 766.9K
$120 COP 389.9K
$324 COP 1.1M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$378 COP 1.2M
$317 COP 1.0M
$439 COP 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$330 COP 1.1M
$293 COP 953.3K
$367 COP 1.2M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,528 COP 5.0M
$1,063 COP 3.5M
$1,728 COP 5.6M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,242 COP 4.0M
$799 COP 2.6M
$1,242 COP 4.0M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$493 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: July 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $308 for a central one-bedroom, or $236 outside the center. At 62% of the average salary ($493), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $493, while typical expenses reach $747. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $177 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $12.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $29.46 per month.

Cost Highlights

San Juan de Pasto has the 6th cheapest three-course dinner for two, mid-range in South America

Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 96% of cities in South America

3-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 91% of cities in South America

San Juan de Pasto 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 San Juan de Pasto - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is San Juan de Pasto for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who typically finds it a good value?
San Juan de Pasto offers a slower pace and lower day-to-day costs than larger Colombian capitals, which many nomads and long-stay travelers appreciate. You’ll find modest rents, affordable local eateries, and reliable public transport that keeps daily expenses predictable. The city’s size means you can access cultural sites, markets, and coworking spaces without the overwhelm of bigger cities. Neighborhoods around the historic center or quiet residential streets often provide good value, while newer apartments may command a bit more but include practical amenities. Cost of Living in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia helps frame budgeting for short visits or longer stays. Tip: Map out a weekly food plan and shop at local markets to stretch your budget.
What does a typical day look like for navigating housing, food, transport, and coworking in San Juan de Pasto?
Expect a mix of traditional markets, small cafes, and coworking spots that fit different work styles. When searching for housing, start with central neighborhoods for shorter commutes, then widen to quieter residential streets if your budget allows. Food options range from hearty local dishes at modest prices to fresh-market produce and casual eateries that help you cook at home. For getting around, buses, taxis, and bicycles are practical choices depending on distance and terrain. San Juan de Pasto, Colombia living cost varies by area and building type, so sample several neighborhoods on a live-to-work trial before committing. Tip: Keep a short-term lease as you map your daily routes.
How can you optimize your budget and choose a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle in San Juan de Pasto?
Quality of life here hinges on a balance of walkability, safety, access to nature, and community. Build a simple budget framework: fixed costs like rent and utilities first, then allocate flexible amounts for food, transport, and activities. Save by shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and using public transport or bicycles for short hops. For families, digital nomads, or students, look for neighborhoods with reliable internet, quiet streets, and nearby cafes or coworking options to match your rhythm. Seasonality matters: festivals and the academic calendar can shift crowds and prices, so plan ahead. Tip: Spend a couple of days in several areas to feel the vibe before deciding.
Is San Juan de Pasto expensive to live in?
Your money goes further in San Juan de Pasto than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $747 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
What percentage of income goes to rent in San Juan de Pasto?
With 62% of the average paycheck going to rent, San Juan de Pasto is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is a good salary in San Juan de Pasto?
Earning $1,120 monthly in San Juan de 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 are typical rents in San Juan de Pasto?
Where you live in San Juan de Pasto makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $308; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $236. Overall, the market runs from $236 to $308 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in San Juan de Pasto?
Fitness in San Juan de Pasto is cheap at around $22.17 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 San Juan de Pasto?
San Juan de Pasto is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $177, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in San Juan de Pasto?
$800 stretches far in San Juan de Pasto – all-in monthly costs average only $747. 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 San Juan de Pasto?
San Juan de Pasto offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $747 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 San Juan de Pasto?
Monthly expenses in San Juan de Pasto run around $747, so putting money aside takes more than $1,120 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is San Juan de Pasto good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love San Juan de Pasto – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $747 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

San Juan de Pasto vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities