Cost of Living in Tunja - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $702 per month with rent, or $345 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,066 per month with rent, or $690 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,430 per month with rent, or $1,036 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.71 COP 9,688
$2.47 COP 8,814
$7.41 COP 26.5K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.74 COP 52.6K
$12.29 COP 43.9K
$24.57 COP 87.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.90 COP 24.6K
$4.92 COP 17.6K
$7.40 COP 26.4K
Cappuccino
$1.10 COP 3,935
$0.49 COP 1,733
$1.96 COP 7,004
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.71 COP 2,521
$0.59 COP 2,106
$0.82 COP 2,935
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 COP 2,122
$0.50 COP 1,787
$1.01 COP 3,610
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.19 COP 4,258
$0.84 COP 2,991
$2.38 COP 8,516
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.03 COP 7,232
$1.19 COP 4,248
$2.86 COP 10.2K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.22 COP 4,364
$0.93 COP 3,309
$1.48 COP 5,273
White Bread (500g)
$1.08 COP 3,845
$0.78 COP 2,787
$1.20 COP 4,268
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.21 COP 4,318
$0.60 COP 2,159
$1.44 COP 5,132
Eggs
$2.16 COP 7,728
$1.30 COP 4,637
$2.86 COP 10.2K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.22 COP 15.1K
$2.74 COP 9,768
$8.21 COP 29.3K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.83 COP 20.8K
$4.13 COP 14.8K
$7.78 COP 27.8K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.42 COP 26.5K
$6.11 COP 21.8K
$9.79 COP 34.9K
Apples (1kg)
$2.53 COP 9,022
$1.20 COP 4,298
$2.89 COP 10.3K
Banana (1kg)
$1.22 COP 4,358
$0.74 COP 2,651
$2.46 COP 8,789
Oranges (1kg)
$0.89 COP 3,161
$0.45 COP 1,599
$0.99 COP 3,524
Tomato (1kg)
$0.87 COP 3,093
$0.47 COP 1,668
$1.06 COP 3,788
Potato (1kg)
$1.21 COP 4,311
$0.57 COP 2,049
$1.43 COP 5,124
Onion (1kg)
$1.03 COP 3,670
$0.50 COP 1,779
$1.13 COP 4,041
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.91 COP 3,238
$0.59 COP 2,124
$0.95 COP 3,378
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.74 COP 2,641
$0.59 COP 2,092
$0.93 COP 3,326
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.68 COP 6,015
$1.44 COP 5,130
$1.87 COP 6,687
Wine (Bottle)
$7.95 COP 28.4K
$5.29 COP 18.9K
$9.27 COP 33.1K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.77 COP 2,761
$0.58 COP 2,079
$0.93 COP 3,306
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.54 COP 5,511
$0.98 COP 3,517
$3.69 COP 13.2K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.51 COP 1,820
$0.49 COP 1,751
$0.51 COP 1,820
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.70 COP 2,485
$0.70 COP 2,485
$1.88 COP 6,723
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.60 COP 5,714
$0.73 COP 2,620
$1.82 COP 6,514
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.20 COP 22.1K
$3.72 COP 13.3K
$8.69 COP 31.0K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.98 COP 3,487
$0.86 COP 3,087
$1.04 COP 3,705
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.7K COP 70.3M
$19.6K COP 69.9M
$19.8K COP 70.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.1K COP 100.4M
$25.7K COP 91.9M
$29.3K COP 104.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$74.6 COP 266.3K
$47.79 COP 170.7K
$103 COP 367.3K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.73 COP 31.2K
$7.23 COP 25.8K
$13.49 COP 48.2K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$21.05 COP 75.2K
$17.22 COP 61.5K
$29.52 COP 105.4K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$16.97 COP 60.6K
$16.00 COP 57.1K
$29.10 COP 103.9K
Cinema Ticket
$3.96 COP 14.2K
$2.98 COP 10.6K
$9.92 COP 35.4K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$242 COP 862.6K
$86.0 COP 307.0K
$344 COP 1.2M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,416 COP 8.6M
$1,908 COP 6.8M
$3,434 COP 12.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$65.7 COP 234.5K
$36.77 COP 131.3K
$123 COP 437.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.30 COP 115.3K
$14.36 COP 51.3K
$59.8 COP 213.6K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.5 COP 294.6K
$35.98 COP 128.5K
$120 COP 428.2K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$38.83 COP 138.7K
$33.28 COP 118.8K
$49.31 COP 176.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$284 COP 1.0M
$178 COP 635.9K
$285 COP 1.0M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$234 COP 834.8K
$122 COP 436.7K
$330 COP 1.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$522 COP 1.9M
$328 COP 1.2M
$699 COP 2.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$434 COP 1.6M
$221 COP 789.4K
$516 COP 1.8M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
15.25
11.2
23

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $169 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $15.00.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is cheaper than 97% of cities in South America

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is cheaper than 96% of cities in South America

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

Tunja 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 Tunja - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tunja a good value for money overall, and who tends to find it especially affordable compared with other Colombian cities?
Yes, for many travelers and long-term visitors, Tunja offers approachable value compared with larger Colombian cities. The city blends reasonable housing options, affordable everyday meals, and a climate that keeps basic costs predictable. You’ll find that smaller apartments in central or university-adjacent areas are convenient and often more affordable than in Bogotá or Medellín, while keeping short commutes to services. The vibe favors steady routines and walkable streets, which helps you budget time and money. Cost of Living in Tunja reflects this practical balance, making it appealing for remote workers, students, and curious explorers. Tip: Look for longer stays in neighborhoods near plazas to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Tunja in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands for a visitor or expat?
Housing search is smoother when you focus on university corridors, historic centers, or newer residential blocks outside peak demand. Expect a mix of small studios and larger flats, with rents and inclusions varying by location and building age. For daily life, aim to shop at local mercados for fresh produce, try casual eateries for reliable, budget-friendly meals, and use buses or bikes for short trips. Co-working spaces and cafes near campuses can help you balance work and errands, while libraries and public halls host events that help you connect. Tunja’s pace supports efficient routines, especially if you map quick shopping routes and transit options. Tip: Start with a week of cafe-hopping to test work setups.
What’s the quality of life like in Tunja, how should you budget and seasonally adapt, and how to choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle?
Quality of life in Tunja blends a serene, small-city feel with accessible services and a strong sense of community. You can structure a simple budget around housing, groceries, and transport by tracking recurring costs rather than chasing market swings. The climate and high-altitude setting create predictable daily routines, with occasional rain that shapes what you wear and where you walk. For neighborhood fit, explore the historic center, student corridors, and quieter outskirts to balance access, safety, and pace. The [location] living cost framework helps you compare choices as you plan short or long stays, and it can guide season-specific activity planning. Tip: Create a flexible weekly plan that emphasizes local markets, public transit, and inexpensive outings.
What is the average cost of living in Tunja?
A single person in Tunja typically spends $702 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $345. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Why is Tunja considered affordable?
Tunja is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $702, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Tunja?
You'll want at least $1,054 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Tunja. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Tunja?
In Tunja's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $284 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $234. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Tunja?
Food in Tunja is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $169 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How cheap is food in Tunja?
Groceries in Tunja are cheap – a single person spends about $169 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
Can you live on $800 a month in Tunja?
$800 a month in Tunja? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $702, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Can you retire comfortably in Tunja?
Tunja makes a good retirement base. About $1,054 per month covers housing, healthcare, and everyday needs with enough left for some leisure and travel. It strikes a nice balance between cost and comfort.
How affordable is Tunja?
Tunja is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $702 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Tunja good for backpackers on a budget?
Tunja is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $702 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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