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What is the Cost of Living in Cali in 2025?

What is the Average Cost of Living in Cali?

Housing costs are one of the major forces that could influence the general cost of living in Cali based on family size and specific lifestyle preferences. On average, monthly costs amounted to approximately Col $6,600,000 for a household of four people subscribing to the basic needs category comprised of shelter, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous.

Check out the following table to learn more about Cali's average cost of living for bachelors, students, and families.

Area of Expense Cost
Rent COL $900,000.00- COL $1,137,500.00
Entertainment COL $41,490
Groceries COL $735,829.28
Transport COL $167,400.00
Utilities COL $281,222.76
Schooling of children COL $950,000.00

Cost of Living in Cali for Bachelors

Men who are single and living in Cali will spend slightly less every month, and the total expenditure should not exceed OL $2,800,000. This amount provides for shelter—cereal, a small apartment in the city centre, bus fares, local telephone calls, and a few non-essential purchases or entertainment. 

However, actual costs factor in propositions of individual tastes, choice of areas of the city, and prudent or extravagant spending.

Area of Expense Cost
Rent COL $2,800
Transportation COL $21,967
Groceries COL $1,004,280
Lifestyle and Entertainment COL $24,000-74,000
Fuel COL $1,25,000
Utilities COL $2,40,000
Household Expenses COL $2,042,713.9

Cost of Living in Cali for Students

The students' housing in Cali is relatively cheap. However, the prices differ depending on the zone called estrato. It is possible to rent houses varying from €250 to €1000 per month, depending on rooms and the services they offer. Selecting flats in other zones that are not as touristy can be much cheaper and give students the desired budget alongside the spirit and offerings of the city.

The following table highlights some of the key expenses:

Area of Expense Cost per month
Rent (shared apartment) COL $500- COL $800
Food (monthly) COL $100- COL $120
Transportation (monthly) COL $79- COL $100
Utilities (monthly) COL $188- COL $190
WiFi COL $100
Lifestyle and Entertainment COL $50-COL $80

Cost of Living in Cali for a Family

The average estimated monthly expenses are COL $1,810.8 (COL $7,195,117.5), not including rent. Indeed, the average rent for housing in the upper strata (5-6) for a 3rd bedroom unfurnished apartment is COL $2,000,000 per month with utilities. 

However, in estratos 3-4, there are cheaper offers that can cut these expenses in half; this way, the families can make their choice based on the lifestyle they prefer and territory.

Area of Expense Families
Accommodation COL $340- COL $600
Groceries & Food COL $246- COL $290
Transport COL $40-COL $50
Utilities COL $290
Entertainment & Shopping COL $100-COL $150
Education & Daycare COL $2,215- COL $2,500
Housemaid COL $600- COL $700
WiFi COL $40- COL $80

Cost of Living in Cali for Couples

Couples in Cali need about COL $720 per month for basic expenses, which is not very high compared to global standards. In terms of cost, Cali takes 6,693 out of 9,294 cities worldwide, and it is in the tenth position of the most affordable cities in Colombia.

Area of Expense Couples
Rent COL $640
Groceries COL $175
Transportation COL $175
Utilities COL $100
Entertainment COL $50
Child care COL $2,215
Miscellaneous and incidentals COL $480

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Cali

Certain factors play a significant role in determining the cost of living in Cali, which mainly depends on the areas where you plan to live and the size of your family. Awareness of these elements is necessary if one anticipates planning a budget or estimating his/her expenditures.

1.  Accommodation

The prices may differ significantly according to the estrato; however, there are accommodations to fit every stratum. Housing costs are most commonly people’s biggest monthly expense, and thus, the selection of the dwelling plays a significant role in shaping one’s expenditures.

 

Classification of Rentals Cost per month
1 BHK COL $6,00,000 - COL $8,08,000
2 BHK COL $8,00,000- COL $10,08,000
3 BHK COL $12,50,000 - COL $15,00,000
Paying Guest COL $4140834.76

2.  Transportation

Transportation expenses in Cali play a massive role in formulating monthly general expenditures. Those who live close to their place of work or school are usually able to spend less on transport. Transit options include public transport, personal cars, and many others, and each has a cost factor.

Fuel Cost/Transportation Service Approximate Cost
One-way ticket (public transport) COL $2,300
Monthly pass (public transport) COL $1,25,000
Taxi 1 km normal tariff COL $5,500
Price of diesel (as of 1st July 2024) COL $2,460.76 per litre
Price of gasoline (as of 1st July 2024) COL $15,488.03 per litre

3.  Utilities

The costs of utilities within the residences depend on the estrato system, where the higher estratos pay more than the lower ones. This system is intended to support lower-performing regions but can be deleterious to the monthly budgets involved in wealthier regions.

Monthly Utilities Approximate Cost
Electricity, cooling, heating, water, garbage COL $2,40,000
Local prepaid mobile tariff (1 min) COL $140
Unlimited internet package COL $92,000

4.  Entertainment

It’s relatively cheap, although specific prices depend on individual preferences and lifestyles. Cali provides an opportunity to select the level of entertainment from local restaurants to more luxurious events, thus letting the residents regulate their entertainment expenses.

Area of Expense Approximate Cost
1-month gym membership COL $74,000
1-hour rent for a tennis court COL $74,000
1 seat in a cinema hall COL $15,000
A meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person) COL $10,000
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant COL $60,000
McMeal at McDonald's COL $18,000

5.  Childcare and Schooling

Education expenses are among the most important contributors to families' average cost levels. The decision to enrol the child at a public or private institution can significantly impact the family, and most international institutions cost a fortune.

Childcare and Schools Approximate Cost
Preschool, private, full-day for 1 child (monthly) COL $7,00,000
International primary school for 1 child (yearly) COL $1,90,00,000

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Cali

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Cali

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Cali