Cost of Living — The Passport

💰 Cost of Living

Ozzy G. · May 14, 2026 Pinned

Share Real Budgets With Context

A number without context is not useful.“Colombia costs $1,500/month” or “Colombia costs $4,000/month” can both be true depending on the person.When sharing a budget, include:CityNeighborhood, if comfortableSingle, couple, family, retiree, or digital nomadRent or owned...

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Ozzy G. · May 14, 2026 Pinned

First-Month Costs Are Not Normal Monthly Costs

The first month abroad is usually more expensive than people expect.You may pay for:Airbnb or temporary housingDepositsFurnitureKitchen itemsBedding and towelsSIM card and phone planTaxi/app rides while learning the cityVisa paperworkApostilles/translationsMedical...

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Chris Davidson · May 15, 2026 🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia

My $1,500/month budget in Medellín — 2-week update

2 weeks in. Pre-tax breakdown of week 1-2 actuals:Furnished 1BR El Poblado: $850/moGroceries (cooking 5-6 nights): $90 so far → est $180/moEating out (10x in 2 weeks): $130 → est $260/moCoworking day passes: $40Transportation (Uber + Metro): $35Phone (Claro plan):...

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L Linda Greene · May 14, 2026

What feels most expensive in your Colombia budget?

2 votes View discussion →

Stephanie Mitchell · May 14, 2026

Most Colombia cost-of-living conversations seem to become Bogotá vs. Medellín im

Most Colombia cost-of-living conversations seem to become Bogotá vs. Medellín immediately.But I’m more curious about the people living in places like Bucaramanga, Pereira, Armenia, Manizales, Cali, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Ibagué, or smaller towns around the Coffee...

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Pierre Gagnon · May 14, 2026

Where did your budget go wrong first?

Mine was “temporary spending.” You know, all those first-month things you tell yourself don’t count.Except they do count. Very much.Where did your budget go off track first?Airbnb before finding long-term rentFurniture/setup costsRestaurants/deliveryUbers/taxisWeekend...

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M Marcus Williamson · May 14, 2026

Cheapest decent Colombian cities for retirees (research notes)

Pre-move research from a methodical pre-mover. Voting open — would love your edits.

Bucaramanga

Low cost, mild climate, less expat density (pro or con).

Pereira/Coffee Axis

Moderate cost, beautiful, growing expat scene.

Cali

Low cost, hot, vibrant, salsa.

View full list (5) →

Rachel Brennan · May 12, 2026 🇨🇴 Bogotá, Colombia

Grocery price shock — Carulla vs Éxito vs D1

Same shopping list (eggs, milk, bread, chicken, vegetables, basics for the week):Carulla (Chicó): 142,000 COP (~$35)Éxito (Chapinero): 96,000 COP (~$24)D1 (corner store): 71,000 COP (~$18)For identical items. Carulla is a pleasant grocery experience. D1 is a no-frills box....

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Sarah Kowalski · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia

Cost of furnishing an apartment from scratch — Medellín numbers

When I move out of El Poblado, I'm going unfurnished. Did the math on what it'd cost to furnish a 1BR from zero (basics only, IKEA-equivalent quality):Bed + mattress: $400-600Couch (used or budget): $200-400Dining table + 2 chairs: $150-250Kitchen basics (set + pots/pans):...

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David Thompson · Apr 13, 2026

$3000/month in Bogotá vs Medellín — what it gets you

Quick breakdown after 8 months of expense tracking. Bogotá rents have crept up but groceries and transport are cheaper. Medellín is the inverse.

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Noah Patel · Mar 16, 2026

Banking: which Colombian bank for expats?

Bancolombia is fine but their app is rough. Davivienda has better English support. BBVA international is the easiest to open if you don't have an M visa yet.

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Alex Brennan · Mar 12, 2026

Fitness/gym scene in Bogotá

Bodytech is everywhere, ~$50/mo, decent. Functional gyms (CrossFit-style) are surprisingly affordable — about $90/mo. Yoga is cheap and good, especially at Atman in Chapinero.

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