11 Best Places To Live In Colombia For Expats In 2025

Are you on the hunt for the best places to live in Colombia? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’ll cover eleven of the best expat locations from Medellín–the Silicon Valley of South America to Leticia, a remote town only accessible by air and a perfect launchpad for exploring the Amazon.

Read on to find your ideal home in Colombia.

Where To Live In Colombia

Whether you’re drawn to the hopping beats of Colombia’s salsa capital, a green city with almost 200 parks on an Andean Plateau, a colorful town with Encanto-like charm, or the laid-back Caribbean vibes of Colombia’s northern coast, this list will help you decide where to live, taking the cost of living, activities, safety, weather, and amenities of each place into account.

1. Medellín

BEST FOR: Professionals, Couples, Families, Digital Nomads BUDGET: Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Great Community, Excellent Metro, Cultural and Artistic Hub

One of the best places to live in Colombia is undoubtedly Medellín. This innovative city is known for its booming industry, excellent quality of life, and all the cuisine, art, culture, and nightlife one could wish for in a metropolis.

Expats and digital nomads love Medellín for its low cost of living and easy access to public transportation and services. It has an excellent metro system that connects with bus lines to take you anywhere you’d like in the city.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant, avocados are cheap, and the water is drinkable from the tap. Digital nomads will be glad to know that coworking spaces are becoming more common, especially in Los Laureles and El Poblado neighborhoods.

Daily temperatures are usually in the low 80s year round, dropping lower at night, earning Medellín the moniker “City of Eternal Spring.”

As far as cons are concerned, the internet can be slow in some areas, and the air quality is poor. If you have respiratory issues, choose a neighborhood farther from the city center.

Many expats live in Medellin, making it easy to fall into an expat bubble unless you’re intentional about meeting and hanging out with locals. Of course, the number of experts can also be a perk. The MDE Community is a great way to connect with foreigners and locals who share your interests.

2. Bogotá

BEST FOR: Professionals, Families, Couples BUDGET: Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Economic, Political, and Cultural Hub, Great Nightlife

Colombia’s capital city is a magnet for expats who enjoy urban life. It sits 8,600 feet above sea level and has cooler temperatures than Medellín, with highs in the low 70s during the day and lows of 50ºF at night.

Delicious food, cool hang-out spots, and friendly locals make Bogotá a great place to live. “The energy is amazing,” says one Bogotá expat.

Cyclists will have a blast on the city’s vast network of bike lanes.

Since local wages tend to be low, many expats prefer to find remote work or jobs with international corporations. The cost of living here depends on your lifestyle choices, but between $600 and $1200 per month for an individual is a reasonable average.

Traffic is terrible in Bogotá, so if possible, settle within walking or biking distance of your work. 

As far as neighborhoods go, consider Chapinero, Quinta Camacho, Parque 93, Chico Norte, Rosales, and El Nogal on the higher-end, Quinta Camacho, Usaquen, and for middle-range, and Cedritos and La Macarena for lower-end living.

3. Cartagena

BEST FOR: Families, Couples, Professionals BUDGET: Low to Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Colorful Architecture, Caribbean Vibes, Laidback Feel

While Medellín and Bogotá are in the mountains, Cartagena is on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. If you love sunny weather, laidback life, and a combination of urban and beach life, this could be a great place to live.

Originally a port city for Spain’s treasure fleets, Cartagena is brimming with historic buildings, gripping pirate stories, and eye-catching battlements. As an added plus, it’s easy to make weekend trips to nearby attractions from here.

The seafood is another draw, with mouth-watering cazuela de mariscos stew (made with shellfish, tomatoes, and coconut), patacones (fried green plantains), and delicious fish al ajillo (in garlic sauce).

Expats can live quite comfortably in Cartagena for $1500 monthly, though it’s possible to live off of less. For example, one couple reported living on $1200 a month.

Taxis are generally safe here and, according to one expat, are a preferable means of transportation than buying a car of your own. But if you use taxis, you must haggle about the price before getting in.

Some neighborhoods to consider include Castillogrande, Manga, Bocagrande, Barcelona de Indias, Serena del Mar, and Los Morros.

Look for work opportunities in education and tourism.

4. Santa Marta

BEST FOR: Adventure and Outdoor Enthusiasts, Digital Nomads BUDGET: Low to Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Gorgeous Beaches, National Parks, Marine Diversity

Santa Marta is a coastal city that combines mountains, ocean, and urban life. Though the architecture isn’t as beautiful as Cartagena, Santa Marta is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts, especially hikers and scuba divers. It is slightly less touristy and has a lower cost of living than Cartagena (about $979 per month on average).

Digital nomads love working remotely near sand and sea. Other Santa Marta expats buy old colonial buildings and fix them up. Consider living in Rodadero, Cabo Tortuga, or the Historic Center.

There are tons of places to explore nearby, including Tayrona National Natural Park and the Teyuna archaeological site (Colombia’s lost city).

People who live in Santa Marta enjoy the seafood, festivals, modern amenities, and language meetups.

5. Bucaramanga

BEST FOR: Young Expats, Retirees, Digital Nomads BUDGET: Low WHAT TO EXPECT: Amazing Parks, Art and Culture, Nightlife

If you like the sound of Medellín but prefer someplace more chill, Bucaramanga could be ideal. It is the eighth largest city in the country and boasts just under 200 parks–earning it the title “The City of Parks.”

Many famous Colombian writers originated from Bucaramanga, so it makes sense that the city hosts literary events. It also has multiple museums, art exhibitions, and a unique cultural identity. There are also nightlife opportunities, superb cuisine, and excellent healthcare. The internet is reliable, and coworking spaces are available.

Since the city is built on a plateau in the Andes Mountains, the weather here is on the cool side. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the waterfalls and overlooks in the region.

You’ll need a minimum of $690 to live here, but that number can jump significantly if you don’t put in the time and effort to find a low-priced rental. Check local newspapers for listings.

6. Pereira

BEST FOR: Families, Entrepreneurs BUDGET: Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Welcoming locals, Modern Conveniences, Biodiversity, Coffee Culture

Towering wax palm trees, easy access to nature, and a burgeoning economy make Pereira one of the best places to live in Colombia. Warm weather, beautiful mountains, and modern conveniences make it an attractive place.

Pereira is the largest city in Colombia’s Eje Cafetero, or coffee-growing region. Delicious food, lifestyle services, nightclubs, outdoor spaces, and a welcoming culture set this city apart. Nature lovers will find regional parks and nature sanctuaries a 30 to 40-minute drive away.

If you love coffee, you can’t do much better than Pereira. Sit back, relax, sip the local brew, and enjoy the excellent healthcare and reasonable cost of living. 

According to International Living, the monthly costs for a couple living in Pereira are about $1,030 to $1,480. However, it’s possible to live on less, especially if you prefer a minimalist lifestyle.

7. Salento

BEST FOR: Retirees, Artists, Nature Lovers BUDGET: Low to Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Relaxed Lifestyle, Walkable Town, Nature

If you have seen the movie Encanto and fallen in love with the charming and colorful village in the film, look no further than Salento. This bright little town is a favorite tourist destination and features hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, and colorful houses.

It has a traditional small-town vibe and only covers about 12 blocks. Beyond the village proper lie coffee fields, cattle ranches, and rolling hills. In the nearby Valley of Cocora, wax palms stretch 200 feet toward the sky.

There isn’t much to do in Salento besides stroll around town, take hikes, go horseback riding, and devote time to artistic endeavors like writing, photography, and painting. 

Salento is 6,200 feet above sea level and, like Pereira, is part of Colombia’s coffee triangle. The climate is mild, with highs in the 70s.

A couple should budget about $1,048 to $1,280 monthly to cover living costs.

8. Manizales

BEST FOR: Retirees, Digital Nomads BUDGET: Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Art, Music, Great coffee Shops, Beautiful Outdoors, Relaxed Lifestyle

Before we move on, there’s one more city to cover in Colombia’s lush and mountainous coffee triangle: Manizales.

Salsa, tango, outdoor sports, academia, the arts, and an incredible coffee culture make this a cool place to live. There is music everywhere in Manizales. The city is also relatively safe.

The landscape is quite hilly, walkable, and perfect for incorporating workouts into daily life. Digital nomads and retirees who want an active and artsy lifestyle will fit right in here.

Regarding budget, singles can live easily on $1000 to $1200 monthly. Condo rentals in gated communities with a shared pool, gardens, and a gym cost approximately $500 per month.

9. Tunja

BEST FOR: Retirees BUDGET: Low WHAT TO EXPECT: Cool weather, Tranquil pace of life, Lots of Nature

Colombia’s varied landscapes offer something for every taste. So if you love the cold, clear weather of the high mountains and a tranquil life, Tunja could be perfect. This city is the capital of the Boyaca department of Colombia. In colonial times, it was important for its emerald and gold deposits.

Tunja is 9,000 feet above sea level, high in the Andean peaks, and has an average year-round temperature of 58ºF. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting nearby Lake Tota, Chicaque Natural Park, and Lake Fúquene.

The city is known for its relatively low crime rate, historic town center, and affordable prices. The average cost of living is $526 a month, about 30% less than in Bogotá (though it’s unclear whether this is for locals or expats). If you prefer high-end living, look for luxury homes in the northern part of the city.

Tunja has better air quality, better traffic conditions, and a slower pace of life than Bogotá and Medellín.

10. Cali

BEST FOR: Dance Enthusiasts, Digital Nomads, Young Expats  BUDGET: Low to Medium WHAT TO EXPECT: Warm climate, Sports, Great Culture, Thriving Nightlife

Salsa lovers and dance enthusiasts will find their groove in Santiago de Cali (Cali for short). Rhythmic tunes, unique energy, and a culture of letting loose define this party-loving city. 

Sometimes described as rowdy, chaotic, and loud, Cali has stolen the hearts of plenty of expats and digital nomads. Although not everyone in the city dances, taking salsa lessons and practicing moves at the hundreds of salsa clubs are great ways to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet caleños, and make friends.

Safety is more of a problem in Cali than in the other locations we’ve listed, requiring street smarts and a safety-conscious mindset. Keep your valuables hidden while on the street, and choose your neighborhood with care.

Good neighborhoods include Miraflores, San Antonio, Pance, and Ciudad Jardin. Tequendama is another to consider if you want to live somewhere central. Avoid the East side of the city.

Although it’s not too difficult to get around by taxi, traffic can be congested, so it’s ideal to find a place to live close to the places you’ll frequent.

Cali has a warm climate and is close to the beach.

11. Leticia

BEST FOR: Digital Nomads, Retirees  BUDGET: Low WHAT TO EXPECT: Hot Weather, Remote Rainforest Location, Mix of Cultures and Cuisine, Slow and Relaxed Pace of Life

We’ve covered coastal cities, charming towns in the coffee triangle, and tranquil urban centers high in the Andean peaks. But what if you want to live in the rainforest, go on jungle treks, search out pink-nosed dolphins, fish for piranhas, and boat down the Amazon?

Leticia is a remote, tropical, laid-back, and affordable town of about 50,000 people on the southernmost tip of Colombia. Even more remarkable, this Amazonian location borders Brazil and Peru. From here, you can visit all three countries in a day, venture into the rainforest, go on hikes, and watch hundreds of parrots fly into the central park in the evening.

It is ideal for digital nomads and retirees looking for a low-budget, authentic place to settle.

Although Leticia is only accessible by plane, flights are affordable. And once you land, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for as little as $200 a month. Utilities won’t set you back much, and the food is delicious, varied, and cheap.

Leticia has reliable internet and several coworking spaces perfect for remote workers.

How To Move To Colombia

If you’re considering moving to Colombia, researching visa options is a wise first step. The tourist visa is ideal for exploring in the short term, but a retirement or work visa is a better choice if you hope to live and/or work in Colombia in the long term.

Before traveling, collect and authenticate all the paperwork you’ll need to enter Colombia, apply for your visa, and prove you have ​​health insurance.

Next, it’s time to choose a place to live. Take your budget, lifestyle, and climate preferences into account when selecting a location. The cost of living is cheaper overall than in many Western countries but varies by city, region, and neighborhood. To avoid real estate scams, get an Airbnb initially or ask for rental recommendations in expat forums.

Learning Spanish is a crucial step you can begin before moving, as it will help you enjoy life in Colombia to the max.

Check out our guide on moving to Colombia for in-depth information and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Live in Colombia

Conclusion

Thanks to Colombia’s diverse culture and landscape, there are many excellent places to live, no matter your lifestyle, climate preferences, or budget. From uber-affordable living in Leticia to luxurious neighborhoods in Medellín, there is something for everyone in this Latin American country. Which of these best places to live in Colombia appeals to you most?