If you’ve spent any time on YouTube, you’ve probably seen the glossy claims: “Live like a king in Colombia for just $500 a month!” Cue the palm trees, salsa beats, and dreamy drone shots. But is it really possible? Can you actually live here—comfortably—for about the price of a single weekend in New York City?

The short answer: yes. But let me show you how, with real numbers in Colombian pesos and US dollars, and with the kind of details you only get from living here day in and day out. Spoiler: it’s not just possible, it’s surprisingly normal.

Your biggest expense in Colombia is still much cheaper than in the U.S. A one- to two-bedroom apartment in a stratum 3 neighborhood—that’s a working-class area that’s safe, clean, and well connected—runs about 1,000,000 pesos, or $238 per month.

I actually lived in one of these my first year here. My rent? 900,000 pesos, or $214. Was it glamorous? No. Was it comfortable and convenient? Absolutely. For context, that’s less than most people in the U.S. pay to store their car.

Utilities in Colombia are billed based on the “estrato” system (think: income-based pricing). That means if you live in a working-class neighborhood, you pay less for the same services than someone in a luxury high-rise. Here’s what a typical month looks like:

Total utilities: $73.81 per month. That’s less than a single U.S. power bill in summer.

This is where Colombia shines. Local produce, meats, and poultry are insanely affordable. If you’re frugal, you can spend $100–$120 a month on groceries and eat like a champ. Some real-world prices:

Me? I spend more—about $50–$60 a week—because I can’t resist seafood, imported cheeses, and my weight in avocados. But the point is: the basics are incredibly cheap.

Here’s the shocker: Colombia’s healthcare system often outperforms the U.S. on affordability and access.

As a legal resident, you can join the EPS public healthcare system. My premium: 119,000 pesos, or $28.33 per month. That’s not a typo. And visits to specialists? Usually around $20–$30 out of pocket, no three-month wait, no labyrinth of insurance calls.

For reference, Colombia ranks #22 globally in healthcare quality. The U.S.? #37.

Bogotá is a big, bustling city, but it’s easy to get around without owning a car. Options include:

Just don’t forget: theft is real, so use secure parking if you bike.

This one’s fun. Thanks to regional pricing, your favorite streaming services are cheaper in Colombia:

Night out with friends? Dinner and drinks will usually set you back $10–$15 total, not $100 like in New York or Miami.

Let’s tally it up:

Total: $497.86

That’s living comfortably, not penny-pinching. Add a buffer for emergencies or a splurge weekend and you’re still under $600 per month.

Colombia isn’t just cheap. It’s vibrant, full of life, and offers something money can’t buy—community, culture, and connection. Whether you’re stretching your retirement dollars, living as a digital nomad, or simply tired of $2,000 U.S. rent bills, Colombia proves you don’t need to be rich to live well.