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Cali, Colombia

Santiago de Cali is considered the salsa capital of Colombia. Find information on Cali, including cost of living figures.

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

Key Takeaways: Cali in 2026

Real estate in Cali is significantly cheaper than in Bogota or Medellin.
Modern amenities include shopping malls, boutiques, and diverse dining.
The city hosts a growing community of permanent expats and snowbirds.

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.

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.

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Located in a valley with mountains to the west, the Cauca River to the east and plains to the north and south. Cali is situated at 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.

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Cost Of Living In Cali, Colombia

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.

Monthly Budget For A Couple Renting In Cali, Colombia


Budget Items	Cost	Cost Assumptions
Rent	COP 1,500,000	Unfurnished, 80–90 square meter two-bedroom apartment (estrato 4–6).
Gas	COP 40,000	Used for cooking, hot water, and gas dryer.
Transportation	COP 150,000	Assume walking and light travel about town.
Electricity	COP 250,000	Widely variable, assume air conditioning (turned off when not home).
Water	COP 60,000
Cable/Phone/Internet Bundle	COP 142,000	This bundled price saves about 50% on these services.
Cell Phone	COP 60,000	Two cell phones on postpaid plan.
Household Help	COP 750,000
Groceries	COP 950,000
Entertainment	COP 900,000
Total	COP 4,802,000

Monthly Budget For A Couple Owning In Cali, Colombia


Budget Items	Cost	Cost Assumptions
Rent	COP 0
HOA Fees	COP 480,000
Property Taxes, Monthly	COP 250,000
Gas	COP 40,000	Used for cooking, hot water, and gas dryer.
Transportation	COP 150,000	Assume walking and light travel about town.
Electricity	COP 250,000	Widely variable, assume air conditioning (turned off when not home).
Water	COP 60,000
Cable/Phone/Internet Bundle	COP 142,000	This bundled price saves about 50% on these services.
Cell Phone	COP 60,000	Two cell phones on postpaid plan.
Household Help	COP 750,000
Groceries	COP 950,000
Entertainment	COP 900,000
Total	COP 4,032,000

Penny Pincher's Monthly Budget


Budget Items	Cost	Cost Assumptions
Rent	COP 1,200,000	Unfurnished, 80–90 square meter two-bedroom apartment (estrato 3).
HOA Fees	COP 0
Property Taxes, Monthly	COP 0
Gas	COP 40,000	Used for cooking, hot water, and gas dryer.
Transportation	COP 100,000	This assumes walking and buses, less taxi use.
Electricity	COP 100,000	No air conditioning; fans only.
Water	COP 60,000
Internet Only	COP 65,000
Cell Phone	COP 60,000	Two cell phones on postpaid plan.
Groceries	COP 650,000
Entertainment	COP 600,000
Total	COP 2,875,000

Check the currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Wondering what it really costs to live in Colombia?

Get a clear breakdown of everyday expenses in Colombia—including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare—so you can budget accurately before you make the move.

Full Guide: Cost of Living in Colombia

Real Estate In Cali, Colombia

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.

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.