Last update: Oct 2026 Colombia 200K

Cost of Living in Tunja

For one person, living costs in Tunja are estimated at $1,294 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $23 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Tunja

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

A single person spends around $1,294 per month with rent, or $697 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,294 /mo

A couple spends around $1,992 per month with rent, or $1,190 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,992 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,689 per month with rent, or $1,684 without housing.

$2,689 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.61 COP 24.1K
$4.87 COP 15.4K
$12.18 COP 38.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$41.83 COP 132.6K
$27.88 COP 88.4K
$62.0 COP 196.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.53 COP 33.4K
$8.93 COP 28.3K
$12.76 COP 40.4K
Cappuccino
$2.56 COP 8,122
$1.26 COP 3,981
$4.71 COP 14.9K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.38 COP 4,380
$1.12 COP 3,543
$1.91 COP 6,055
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84 COP 2,661
$0.60 COP 1,905
$1.19 COP 3,780
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.09 COP 6,614
$0.97 COP 3,063
$3.85 COP 12.2K
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.81 COP 12.1K
$3.05 COP 9,679
$6.11 COP 19.4K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.60 COP 5,075
$0.92 COP 2,909
$2.75 COP 8,726
White Bread (500g)
$2.48 COP 7,874
$1.57 COP 4,993
$5.06 COP 16.0K
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.63 COP 5,169
$0.73 COP 2,304
$3.07 COP 9,747
Eggs
$3.35 COP 10.6K
$1.59 COP 5,038
$5.49 COP 17.4K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.90 COP 25.0K
$3.11 COP 9,850
$18.63 COP 59.1K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.52 COP 23.9K
$3.99 COP 12.6K
$12.77 COP 40.5K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.94 COP 31.5K
$5.72 COP 18.1K
$14.30 COP 45.3K
Apples (1kg)
$3.48 COP 11.0K
$1.87 COP 5,943
$4.21 COP 13.3K
Banana (1kg)
$1.76 COP 5,590
$0.92 COP 2,919
$3.67 COP 11.6K
Oranges (1kg)
$1.90 COP 6,028
$1.07 COP 3,401
$4.57 COP 14.5K
Tomato (1kg)
$1.74 COP 5,527
$0.77 COP 2,449
$3.10 COP 9,829
Potato (1kg)
$1.47 COP 4,673
$0.48 COP 1,515
$3.18 COP 10.1K
Onion (1kg)
$1.41 COP 4,471
$0.63 COP 2,012
$1.67 COP 5,301
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.31 COP 4,152
$0.77 COP 2,453
$2.37 COP 7,517
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.15 COP 3,654
$0.62 COP 1,967
$1.82 COP 5,777
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.36 COP 13.8K
$3.86 COP 12.2K
$4.99 COP 15.8K
Wine (Bottle)
$12.70 COP 40.3K
$7.93 COP 25.1K
$20.63 COP 65.4K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.44 COP 4,559
$1.03 COP 3,275
$1.92 COP 6,100
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.93 COP 9,295
$1.65 COP 5,218
$5.02 COP 15.9K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.80 COP 2,541
$0.75 COP 2,376
$0.84 COP 2,673
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.96 COP 3,042
$0.96 COP 3,042
$2.47 COP 7,839
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.32 COP 7,352
$1.54 COP 4,880
$3.09 COP 9,792
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$9.59 COP 30.4K
$7.67 COP 24.3K
$15.99 COP 50.7K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.28 COP 4,067
$1.25 COP 3,974
$1.38 COP 4,377
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.8K COP 75.4M
$19.0K COP 60.3M
$31.7K COP 100.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.4K COP 112.4M
$34.2K COP 108.6M
$37.5K COP 119.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$123 COP 391.0K
$93.6 COP 296.7K
$187 COP 593.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.02 COP 50.8K
$9.38 COP 29.7K
$26.57 COP 84.2K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.03 COP 95.2K
$24.94 COP 79.1K
$42.08 COP 133.4K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.92 COP 117.0K
$21.24 COP 67.3K
$36.92 COP 117.0K
Cinema Ticket
$7.75 COP 24.6K
$4.65 COP 14.7K
$7.75 COP 24.6K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$499 COP 1.6M
$126 COP 399.5K
$693 COP 2.2M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,621 COP 24.2M
$2,587 COP 8.2M
$15.9K COP 50.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$83.2 COP 263.8K
$37.18 COP 117.9K
$92.9 COP 294.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$47.16 COP 149.5K
$30.76 COP 97.5K
$61.5 COP 195.0K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$145 COP 458.5K
$94.9 COP 301.0K
$190 COP 602.0K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$105 COP 334.4K
$77.8 COP 246.7K
$196 COP 621.7K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$642 COP 2.0M
$463 COP 1.5M
$642 COP 2.0M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$475 COP 1.5M
$316 COP 1.0M
$633 COP 2.0M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,022 COP 3.2M
$633 COP 2.0M
$1,095 COP 3.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$882 COP 2.8M
$618 COP 2.0M
$989 COP 3.1M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,682 COP 5.3M
$1,166 COP 3.7M
$1,713 COP 5.4M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,710 COP 5.4M
$659 COP 2.1M
$1,710 COP 5.4M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
12.81
11
15

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.
Tunja $1,294
Accommodation & Living
$475
Groceries & Markets
$261
Clothing & Footwear
$171
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$169
Eating Out
$150
Sport & Entertainment
$52
Getting Around
$16 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $261 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $42.00.

Cost Highlights

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 93% of cities in South America

1-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 92% of cities in South America

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 92% of cities in South America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
03:49 3:49 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
200,000
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to COP – Colombian Peso Converter

Colombian Peso exchange rates as of October 19, 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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Tunja Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,294 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $697. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is Tunja worth the cost of living?
Tunja is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,294. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Tunja?
You'll want at least $1,942 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 $642 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $475. 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?
Grocery spending in Tunja lands around $261 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
What is a typical grocery budget in Tunja?
Groceries in Tunja run about $261 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Tunja?
$1,000 is below the $1,294 average in Tunja, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Can you retire comfortably in Tunja?
Tunja makes a good retirement base. About $1,942 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 neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,294, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Is Tunja good for backpackers?
Tunja is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,294, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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