By Trevor Hogarth · Last updated October 25, 2026
I’m a Canadian who moved to Colombia in 2020, and the question people back home usually ask is simple: how much cheaper is it, really? The honest answer is that day-to-day life in Colombia costs much less than in Canada, especially rent. A few things cost the same or more, though, and the exchange rate matters a lot.
Here’s a 2026 comparison in Canadian dollars. If you’re seriously considering the move, read my story about moving from Canada to Colombia too.
Conversions use 1 CAD = 0.70 USD (October 2026). Colombian costs are quoted in USD on this site, so I’ve converted them to CAD.
Rent: Canada vs Colombia
Rent is the biggest difference by far. Average asking rent for a one-bedroom in Canada, according to Statistics Canada for the second quarter of 2026:
| Canada (1-bedroom, unfurnished) | CAD/month |
|---|---|
| Canada (national average) | 1,730 |
| Vancouver | 2,280 |
| Toronto | 2,090 |
| Calgary | 1,550 |
| Montreal | 1,480 |
And a furnished one-bedroom in a neighbourhood foreigners like in Colombia:
| Colombia (1-bedroom, furnished) | USD/month | ≈ CAD/month |
|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | 800 | 1,140 |
| Bogotá | 700 | 1,000 |
| Medellín | 600 | 855 |
| Pereira | 500 | 710 |
| Ibagué | 400 | 570 |
Even Colombia’s most expensive city for foreigners is cheaper than the average Canadian one-bedroom, and that’s furnished versus unfurnished. In mid-sized cities like Pereira or Ibagué, rent can be a third of what you’d pay in Toronto or Vancouver.
Total monthly budget
A comfortable monthly budget for one person in Colombia, including rent, utilities, groceries, transport, eating out and private health insurance:
| City | USD/month | ≈ CAD/month |
|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | 1,850 | 2,640 |
| Bogotá | 1,660 | 2,370 |
| Medellín | 1,440 | 2,050 |
| Pereira | 1,290 | 1,840 |
| Ibagué | 1,080 | 1,540 |
For many Canadians, that’s roughly what rent alone costs at home. Use the Colombia Cost of Living Calculator to build your own budget.
What’s cheaper in Colombia
- Rent: often a third to two-thirds less than in a major Canadian city.
- Eating out: a set lunch (menú del día) costs a few dollars; restaurant meals are a fraction of Canadian prices.
- Local food: fruit, vegetables, eggs, coffee and local products are cheap, especially at markets.
- Services: haircuts, cleaning help, repairs and domestic services cost far less.
- Private healthcare: private insurance often runs 100 to 180 USD a month, and doctor visits cost a fraction of private care elsewhere.
- Heating: in most cities you’ll never need it.
What’s the same or more expensive in Colombia
- Electronics and imported goods: phones, laptops and imported brands often cost more than in Canada.
- Cars: new and used vehicles are generally more expensive than in Canada.
- Imported groceries: Canadian or American brands, good cheese and wine carry a premium.
- Flights home: visiting family in Canada can be a major yearly expense.
- Air conditioning on the coast: electricity bills in Cartagena, Barranquilla or Santa Marta can be high.
Things Canadians should know before comparing
The exchange rate works both ways
Most Colombian costs for foreigners are effectively priced in pesos, so a weaker Canadian dollar makes Colombia more expensive for you, and a stronger one makes it cheaper. If your income is in CAD, budget with some cushion.
Provincial health coverage
Provinces require you to be physically present for a minimum number of days each year to keep your health coverage. If you move to Colombia full time, you’ll likely lose it, so plan for private insurance or Colombia’s public system (EPS) as a resident.
CPP and OAS
Your CPP can be paid to you in Colombia. OAS can be paid abroad if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18; otherwise it generally stops after six months outside the country. Check your situation with Service Canada before you move.
Visas
Canadians can usually stay in Colombia as tourists for up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. Living there longer requires a visa, such as the pension, digital nomad or spouse visa. The pension visa requires about 1,680 USD (≈ 2,400 CAD) a month in 2026.
Is Colombia cheaper than Canada?
Yes, a lot. A comfortable life in most Colombian cities costs about what rent alone costs in many Canadian cities. The biggest savings come from rent, food and services, and you’ll get more for your money in mid-sized cities than in Cartagena or Bogotá. Just plan for imported goods, flights home, health coverage and exchange-rate swings.
Frequently asked questions
How much cheaper is Colombia than Canada?
For most people, overall living costs are far lower, often around half, mostly because rent is so much lower.
How much do I need to live in Colombia as a Canadian?
A comfortable budget is roughly 1,550 to 2,650 CAD a month depending on the city. See the best cities to live in Colombia for foreigners to choose where.
Can I keep my Canadian pension in Colombia?
CPP, yes. OAS, yes if you lived in Canada at least 20 years after age 18.
Related guides
- Moving from Canada to Colombia: my experience
- Medellín vs Bogotá cost of living
- Can you live on $1,000 a month in Colombia?
- Colombia Cost of Living Calculator
About the author
Trevor Hogarth — I’m a Canadian who moved to Colombia in 2020. I’ve lived in Medellín, Antioquia, and Ibagué, Tolima, and the costs on this site come from real life here, not guesses. Read my story: moving from Canada to Colombia →