When people ask me, “How much does it cost to live in Colombia?” I usually pause.

Not because I don’t know the numbers — I do — but because the honest answer is:
It depends on how you choose to live.

Colombia doesn’t offer one lifestyle. It offers many. And two of the most common paths foreigners take look similar from the outside but feel completely different once you’re inside them.

One is living like a local.
The other is living like an expat.

Neither is right. Neither is wrong.
But they come with different rhythms, budgets, frustrations, comforts, and rewards.

Understanding the difference between these two paths can save you money, stress, and disappointment — and help you choose the version of Colombia that actually fits your life.

This usually means:

This usually looks like:

Both lifestyles exist side by side — sometimes on the same street.

Local-style housing usually means:

Typical rent:

You’ll need:

Expat-style housing usually means:

Typical rent:

It’s easier, faster, and more comfortable — but you pay for that simplicity.

Local food life is built around:

You’ll eat:

Monthly food cost:

The trade-off?
Less variety. Less imported food. Less convenience.

The upside?
Freshness, affordability, and a rhythm that connects you to the neighborhood.

Expat food life looks more like:

You’ll eat:

Monthly food cost:

It’s familiar, comfortable, and social — but it’s not how most Colombians eat daily.

Locals move using:

Cost:

You’ll learn routes, timing, and patience. You’ll walk more. You’ll wait more. You’ll adapt.

Expats typically use:

Cost:

It’s faster, easier, and more comfortable — especially if you don’t speak Spanish yet.

Locals often rely on:

It works. It’s comprehensive. But it requires patience and persistence.

Expats often choose:

Costs are still low compared to the U.S., but higher than EPS.

Many people mix both systems — local coverage for security, private care for speed.

Your social life might include:

Friendships build slowly, but deeply.

Your social circle might include:

Friendships form faster, but can be more transient.

Neither is better — they just serve different emotional needs.

You’ll deal with:

You save money — but spend time.

You’ll often:

You save time — but spend money.

Here’s a rough monthly comparison for one person:

Living like a local

Living like an expat

Same country.
Very different life.

Most newcomers arrive planning to live like locals.
Most start living like expats.
Many eventually find a balance somewhere in the middle.

Why?

Because comfort matters.
So does community.
So does budget.
And so does your season of life.

Living like a local isn’t about proving anything.
Living like an expat isn’t about avoiding reality.

They’re simply two ways of experiencing the same country.

The happiest long-term expats usually:

They don’t live like locals.
They don’t live above locals.
They live with locals — on their own terms.

Colombia doesn’t demand that you choose one lifestyle forever.

You can start as an expat.
Learn the system.
Build confidence.
Then slowly slide into local life where it feels right.

Or you can stay comfortably in the expat lane and still live a rich, meaningful life here.

The key isn’t choosing the “right” lifestyle.
It’s choosing the one that matches your values, your budget, and your energy.

And once you do, Colombia stops feeling confusing — and starts feeling like home.