Bucaramanga, Colombia

Colombia is the economic rising star in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the world’s emerging economic leaders. Bucaramanga is the capital of the department of Santander in north-central Colombia. The city has the fifth largest economy in Colombia, and the sixth largest metropolitan area, with 1.2 million people. With a little under 550,000 people in the city proper, it’s about the size of Las Vegas.

Bucaramanga is known as Ciudad de los Parques (City of Parks), with more than 160 parks scattered within its borders. It is a safe place to settle, as long as you stay out of the poor areas. Most of the crime is concentrated in the northern comunas of the city.

Bucaramanga is a comfortable city for the visiting foreigner and the relocated retiree. And while it offers lots of other qualities and conveniences, it is first-and-foremost a place where you can feel at home.

Cost Of Living In Bucaramanga

Most of the town is neither rich nor poor—but rather a solid, middle-class setting without the extremes that many cities have. A couple can enjoy this lifestyle that Bucaramanga offers for as little as 2.5 million Colombian pesos per month.

Monthly Budget For A Couple Living In Bucaramanga, Colombia

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Infrastructure In Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga offers an excellent infrastructure, with drinkable tap water, reliable electricity, and fast broadband Internet service at reasonable rates. A brand-new metrolinea public transit system is being phased into service to whisk commuters and travelers from one end of the city to the other.

The international airport is just outside of town, making access more convenient than you’d think, given Bucaramanga’s fairly remote location.

Health care here is leading-edge, and offered at a reasonable cost. The ten universities in the metro area bring a youthful, vibrant feel to many of the city’s sectors.

Climate In Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga sits on a large plateau, at a pleasant 960 meters (3,120 feet) above sea level. Given its proximity to the equator, this altitude provides for pleasant temperatures all year.

You can expect high temperatures of 81 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 62. There is no seasonal temperature variation, with temperatures varying only one degree throughout the year. Unlike many tropical climates, there is no rainy season per se, and the total rainfall is around 1,200 millimeters (47 inches) per year, somewhat like the eastern United States. November through January is usually the driest period, while October and April are normally the wettest months. However, you’ll see some mix of rain and sunshine all year.