Cali, Colombia

Get Your Free Overseas Information
Report Today!


Learn more about COLOMBIA and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT - The 10 Best Places To Retire In

Cali, Colombia: One Of The World's Top Overseas Retirement Havens

Reviewed by Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

tree-lined highway in Cali Colombia

Known as Cali, Santiago de Cali is considered the salsa capital of Colombia and the “city of eternal summer.”

Cali is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1536 by the Spaniards, the area having been inhabited by indigenous tribes before their arrival.

Located in a valley with mountains to the west, the Cauca River to the east and plains to the north and south. Cali is situatedat 3,340 feet (1,018 meters), with a warm climate and little pollution.

The official language of Colombia (and Cali) is Spanish, used for all government transactions, as well as in most business situations.

You’ll find many of the typical conveniences that you’re used to back home, from shopping malls to boutiques, large banks with branches around the city, and tons of great dining options.

With 150 multinational companies located in Cali, your job prospects are much greater than some of South America’s other top destinations.

Start Your New Life Today, Overseas

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas In

Cost Of Living In Cali

In Cali, you can choose from a wide range of lifestyles. Whether renting in the city center or purchasing a property on the outer edge, you’ll get great many options for every personal or family consideration.

Also, you’ll also be able to make friends with like-minded people. Cali has a small but slowly growing permanent expat community as well as a growing “snowbird” expat community that are in the city to escape the snow during winter months up north.

And, if you love dancing, the nightlife experience in Cali is second to none.

Your cost of living in Cali could have a wide range, depending on your individual lifestyle and family size.

The good news is that you can live a comfortable life, even on a modest budget.

Real Estate In Cali

Renting will cost more than owning a home, of course, but this doesn’t factor in the substantial cost of buying a property.

Most importantly, if you are interested in moving to Cali and buying property, you should know that real estate prices can be significantly cheaper here than in Colombia’s more popular destinations, Bogota and Medellin.

The property industry in Cali is fairly well organized, with a number of great deals always on the market.

Also, the city has a well built up infrastructure with reliable electricity, phone service, and high-speed internet.

Roads and highways within Cali are well-maintained, so owning a vehicle won’t require extra amounts of maintenance.

 

Monthly Budget For A Couple Renting In Cali, Colombia

Budget ItemsCostCost Assumptions
RentCOP 1,500,000Unfurnished, 80–90 square meter two-bedroom apartment (estrato 4–6).
GasCOP 40,000Used for cooking, hot water, and gas dryer.
TransportationCOP 150,000Assume walking and light travel about town.
ElectricityCOP 250,000Widely variable, assume air conditioning (turned off when not home).
WaterCOP 60,000
Cable/Phone/Internet BundleCOP 142,000This bundled price saves about 50% on these services.
Cell PhoneCOP 60,000Two cell phones on postpaid plan.
Household HelpCOP 750,000
GroceriesCOP 950,000
EntertainmentCOP 900,000
TotalCOP 4,802,000

 

Monthly Budget For A Couple Owning In Cali, Colombia

Budget ItemsCostCost Assumptions
RentCOP 0
HOA FeesCOP 480,000
Property Taxes, MonthlyCOP 250,000
GasCOP 40,000Used for cooking, hot water, and gas dryer.
TransportationCOP 150,000Assume walking and light travel about town.
ElectricityCOP 250,000Widely variable, assume air conditioning (turned off when not home).
WaterCOP 60,000
Cable/Phone/Internet BundleCOP 142,000This bundled price saves about 50% on these services.
Cell PhoneCOP 60,000Two cell phones on postpaid plan.
Household HelpCOP 750,000
GroceriesCOP 950,000
EntertainmentCOP 900,000
TotalCOP 4,032,000

Start Your New Life Today, Overseas

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas In

 

Penny Pincher’s Monthly Budget

Budget ItemsCostCost Assumptions
RentCOP 1,200,000Unfurnished, 80–90 square meter two-bedroom apartment (estrato 3).
HOA FeesCOP 0
Property Taxes, MonthlyCOP 0
GasCOP 40,000Used for cooking, hot water, and gas dryer.
TransportationCOP 100,000This assumes walking and buses, less taxi use.
ElectricityCOP 100,000No air conditioning; fans only.
WaterCOP 60,000
Internet OnlyCOP 65,000
Cell PhoneCOP 60,000Two cell phones on postpaid plan.
GroceriesCOP 650,000
EntertainmentCOP 600,000
TotalCOP 2,875,000

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Map Of Cali

Cali, Colombia - FAQs

What Is The Warmest Month In Cali?

Cali’s warmest month is August. The average maximum temperature is 82°F (28°C).

Popular Articles

Colombia Articles

What You Need To Know About Gun Laws In Central And South America

Gun laws vary in every country. It is important to understand that gun ownership is a privilege, not a right. Gun laws are strictly enforced, and draconian measures apply for anyone found with an unlicensed gun or ammunition. You can apply for a gun permit as a legal resident in Panama, Belize, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. You’ll be limited in each case as to the number of guns you can own and also restricted as to the types of weapons you can keep, but...

Read more

Get Your Free Overseas Information
Report Today!


Learn more about COLOMBIA and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT - The 10 Best Places To Retire In

Sign up for FREE and learn how to live the good life on a modest budget, find bargain property, and more. Plus, check out our free report on the 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.

RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY

Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…

RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY

;