Cost of Living in Bogotá, Colombia
Colombia · South America
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
60
Quality of Life
Moderate
38
Safety Index
Below Average
7.4M
Population
COP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.7 |
| Monthly Pass | $28 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $60 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $300/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $650/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $650 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 13% |
View Cost of Living in Colombia
Cost of Living in Bogotá — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bogotá, Colombia is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bogotá has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Bogotá costs around $300/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,100/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bogotá scores 60/100 on the quality of life index and 38/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 64/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Bogotá is approximately $650/month. With a purchasing power index of 44/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is COP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bogotá
The average monthly salary in Bogotá is approximately $650. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 44/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bogotá
Healthcare quality in Bogotá is rated 64/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Bogotá
Bogotá has a quality of life score of 60/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bogotá
Students living in Bogotá should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Bogotá
Expats moving to Bogotá often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Bogotá, Colombia is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Bogotá
Living in Bogotá offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 60/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $650 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bogotá provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Colombia and around the world.
Key Facts About Bogotá
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 28
- Average Salary: $650
- Quality of Life: 60/100
- Safety Score: 38/100
- Country: Colombia
- Currency: COP
Is Bogotá Expensive?
Bogotá has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Bogotá compare to other cities?
Bogotá is located in South America with a population of approximately 7.4M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Bogotá stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bogotá?
The average cost of living in Bogotá, Colombia is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Bogotá?
Rent in Bogotá varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 28 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Bogotá alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bogotá expensive to live in?
Bogotá has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Bogotá is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Bogotá?
Bogotá has a quality of life index of 60/100 and a safety index of 38/100. The city is located in South America and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Bogotá compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bogotá with any city worldwide. Bogotá's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Bogotá?
Many residents live comfortably in Bogotá with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bogotá good for expats?
Bogotá is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bogotá?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bogotá.
Is Bogotá cheaper than New York?
Yes, Bogotá has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bogotá?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bogotá.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bogotá
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bogotá
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bogotá typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $300/month compared to $500/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Bogotá, Colombia.
Is Bogotá Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 44/100 and a quality of life score of 60/100, Bogotá is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Bogotá remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Colombia has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Bogotá Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bogotá", "Bogotá monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bogotá affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 38/100, and healthcare rated 64/100, Bogotá offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Colombia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026