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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $762 monthly including rent, or $466 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,079 with rent, or $798 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,397 including rent, or $1,131 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.85 COP 10.2K
$1.98 COP 7,081
$3.71 COP 13.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$12.21 COP 43.6K
$11.72 COP 41.8K
$20.76 COP 74.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.26 COP 22.3K
$2.98 COP 10.6K
$9.53 COP 34.0K
Cappuccino
$1.75 COP 6,267
$1.49 COP 5,314
$1.99 COP 7,110
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.64 COP 2,279
$0.46 COP 1,633
$0.82 COP 2,925
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.49 COP 1,762
$0.38 COP 1,349
$0.59 COP 2,099
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.20 COP 4,288
$0.72 COP 2,566
$1.67 COP 5,975
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.46 COP 8,774
$2.34 COP 8,339
$2.95 COP 10.6K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.11 COP 3,948
$0.75 COP 2,669
$1.71 COP 6,105
White Bread (500g)
$1.24 COP 4,444
$0.74 COP 2,645
$1.92 COP 6,843
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.18 COP 4,218
$0.62 COP 2,218
$1.73 COP 6,181
Eggs
$1.90 COP 6,794
$1.75 COP 6,255
$2.04 COP 7,297
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.02 COP 21.5K
$5.21 COP 18.6K
$6.93 COP 24.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.14 COP 14.8K
$3.54 COP 12.7K
$4.72 COP 16.9K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.24 COP 25.9K
$5.61 COP 20.0K
$10.74 COP 38.4K
Apples (1kg)
$1.54 COP 5,510
$1.42 COP 5,089
$1.67 COP 5,966
Banana (1kg)
$1.06 COP 3,789
$0.68 COP 2,434
$2.12 COP 7,579
Oranges (1kg)
$1.29 COP 4,618
$0.70 COP 2,500
$1.89 COP 6,736
Tomato (1kg)
$0.93 COP 3,323
$0.50 COP 1,792
$2.27 COP 8,101
Potato (1kg)
$1.16 COP 4,129
$0.59 COP 2,101
$1.97 COP 7,026
Onion (1kg)
$1.13 COP 4,048
$0.52 COP 1,866
$1.68 COP 5,984
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.88 COP 3,137
$0.48 COP 1,718
$1.27 COP 4,518
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.70 COP 2,509
$0.38 COP 1,348
$1.39 COP 4,982
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.39 COP 8,534
$2.27 COP 8,100
$3.19 COP 11.4K
Wine (Bottle)
$13.78 COP 49.2K
$11.03 COP 39.4K
$13.78 COP 49.2K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.08 COP 3,867
$0.75 COP 2,683
$1.43 COP 5,121
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.77 COP 6,326
$1.10 COP 3,940
$3.07 COP 11.0K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.54 COP 1,924
$0.51 COP 1,821
$0.56 COP 1,993
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.48 COP 105.3K
$7.14 COP 25.5K
$39.23 COP 140.1K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.45 COP 5,178
$1.44 COP 5,143
$1.46 COP 5,212
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.50 COP 5,356
$1.48 COP 5,283
$1.53 COP 5,465
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.02 COP 21.5K
$3.61 COP 12.9K
$10.84 COP 38.7K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.94 COP 3,349
$0.87 COP 3,094
$1.02 COP 3,640
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.2K COP 65.0M
$14.8K COP 52.7M
$18.9K COP 67.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.4K COP 90.6M
$21.6K COP 77.1M
$28.8K COP 102.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$63.1 COP 225.3K
$41.78 COP 149.2K
$73.7 COP 263.3K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.31 COP 26.1K
$7.31 COP 26.1K
$7.31 COP 26.1K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.74 COP 81.2K
$15.56 COP 55.6K
$28.72 COP 102.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$21.66 COP 77.3K
$21.66 COP 77.3K
$21.66 COP 77.3K
Cinema Ticket
$3.91 COP 14.0K
$2.89 COP 10.3K
$7.21 COP 25.7K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$235 COP 840.6K
$156 COP 555.6K
$479 COP 1.7M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,062 COP 21.6M
$4,436 COP 15.8M
$8,871 COP 31.7M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.7 COP 213.0K
$30.63 COP 109.4K
$85.7 COP 306.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.49 COP 116.0K
$16.84 COP 60.2K
$60.2 COP 214.9K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.5 COP 298.1K
$60.7 COP 216.7K
$146 COP 520.0K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$52.5 COP 187.6K
$47.76 COP 170.6K
$57.3 COP 204.7K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$302 COP 1.1M
$241 COP 861.6K
$362 COP 1.3M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$242 COP 865.7K
$123 COP 440.2K
$333 COP 1.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$383 COP 1.4M
$321 COP 1.1M
$444 COP 1.6M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$322 COP 1.1M
$286 COP 1.0M
$358 COP 1.3M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,583 COP 5.7M
$1,096 COP 3.9M
$1,898 COP 6.8M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,217 COP 4.3M
$805 COP 2.9M
$1,461 COP 5.2M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$429 COP 1.5M
-
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 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $302 for a central one-bedroom, or $242 outside the center. At 70% of the average salary ($429), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $429, while typical expenses reach $762. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $174 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $12.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $29.48 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 94% 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
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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 $762 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 70% 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 $1,142 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 $302; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $242. Overall, the market runs from $242 to $302 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 $21.66 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 San Juan de Pasto?
San Juan de Pasto is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $174, 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 $762. 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 $762 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 $762, so putting money aside takes more than $1,142 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 $762 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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