Cost of Living in Tunja - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $710 per month with rent, or $361 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,084 per month with rent, or $580 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,458 per month with rent, or $798 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.73 COP 8,871
$2.48 COP 8,071
$7.46 COP 24.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.33 COP 46.6K
$11.95 COP 38.8K
$23.89 COP 77.7K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.84 COP 22.3K
$4.89 COP 15.9K
$7.34 COP 23.9K
Cappuccino
$1.07 COP 3,483
$0.47 COP 1,534
$1.91 COP 6,199
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.76 COP 2,460
$0.63 COP 2,055
$0.88 COP 2,864
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 COP 1,924
$0.50 COP 1,620
$1.01 COP 3,274
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.19 COP 3,869
$0.84 COP 2,718
$2.38 COP 7,738
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09 COP 6,808
$1.23 COP 3,999
$2.96 COP 9,617
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.23 COP 3,991
$0.93 COP 3,027
$1.48 COP 4,823
White Bread (500g)
$1.11 COP 3,612
$0.81 COP 2,618
$1.23 COP 4,009
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.19 COP 3,885
$0.60 COP 1,942
$1.42 COP 4,617
Eggs
$2.18 COP 7,098
$1.31 COP 4,259
$2.89 COP 9,389
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.05 COP 13.2K
$2.62 COP 8,531
$7.87 COP 25.6K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.95 COP 19.3K
$4.22 COP 13.7K
$7.94 COP 25.8K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.21 COP 23.4K
$5.94 COP 19.3K
$9.51 COP 30.9K
Apples (1kg)
$2.58 COP 8,398
$1.23 COP 4,000
$2.96 COP 9,621
Banana (1kg)
$1.17 COP 3,818
$0.71 COP 2,323
$2.37 COP 7,700
Oranges (1kg)
$0.88 COP 2,863
$0.45 COP 1,448
$0.98 COP 3,192
Tomato (1kg)
$0.86 COP 2,788
$0.46 COP 1,503
$1.05 COP 3,414
Potato (1kg)
$1.24 COP 4,041
$0.59 COP 1,921
$1.48 COP 4,802
Onion (1kg)
$0.95 COP 3,091
$0.46 COP 1,499
$1.05 COP 3,403
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.89 COP 2,877
$0.58 COP 1,887
$0.92 COP 3,001
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.80 COP 2,615
$0.64 COP 2,071
$1.01 COP 3,294
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.66 COP 5,397
$1.42 COP 4,604
$1.85 COP 6,001
Wine (Bottle)
$9.14 COP 29.7K
$6.10 COP 19.8K
$10.67 COP 34.7K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.78 COP 2,529
$0.59 COP 1,905
$0.93 COP 3,029
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 COP 4,981
$0.98 COP 3,178
$3.66 COP 11.9K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.54 COP 1,760
$0.52 COP 1,694
$0.54 COP 1,760
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.70 COP 2,284
$0.70 COP 2,284
$1.90 COP 6,180
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.58 COP 5,141
$0.73 COP 2,358
$1.80 COP 5,862
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.07 COP 19.7K
$3.64 COP 11.8K
$8.51 COP 27.7K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00 COP 3,238
$0.88 COP 2,867
$1.06 COP 3,440
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.2K COP 62.4M
$19.1K COP 62.0M
$19.3K COP 62.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.3K COP 92.2M
$26.0K COP 84.4M
$29.5K COP 96.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$73.8 COP 239.9K
$47.29 COP 153.7K
$102 COP 330.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.94 COP 29.1K
$7.41 COP 24.1K
$13.82 COP 44.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$20.46 COP 66.5K
$16.74 COP 54.4K
$28.70 COP 93.3K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$16.88 COP 54.9K
$15.91 COP 51.7K
$28.94 COP 94.1K
Cinema Ticket
$3.92 COP 12.7K
$2.94 COP 9,574
$9.81 COP 31.9K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$234 COP 762.3K
$83.5 COP 271.3K
$334 COP 1.1M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,442 COP 7.9M
$1,928 COP 6.3M
$3,470 COP 11.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$63.6 COP 206.7K
$35.62 COP 115.8K
$119 COP 386.0K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.91 COP 107.0K
$14.63 COP 47.6K
$61.0 COP 198.2K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$84.6 COP 274.9K
$36.88 COP 119.9K
$123 COP 399.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$37.75 COP 122.7K
$32.36 COP 105.2K
$47.94 COP 155.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$290 COP 943.2K
$182 COP 592.1K
$291 COP 947.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$235 COP 765.4K
$123 COP 400.4K
$333 COP 1.1M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$514 COP 1.7M
$323 COP 1.0M
$689 COP 2.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$427 COP 1.4M
$217 COP 706.4K
$507 COP 1.6M
💵 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: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $172 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $14.00.

Cost Highlights

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is cheaper than 97% of cities in South America

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

Local beer 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 $710 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $361. 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 $710, 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 $1,065 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?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Tunja runs about $290 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $235. 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 $172 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 $172 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 $710, 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 $1,065 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 $710 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 $710 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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