Living for Less Than 1000 USD in Bogotá: Is It Possible?

When planning to move to a new country, one of the main concerns is usually the cost of living. The same can be said for people considering moving to Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. With a population of over 7 million people, Bogotá boasts a rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning natural beauty.

However, many people wonder if it is possible to live in Bogotá for less than $1000 USD per month. In this blog post, we will explore that question and provide some insights into what it would be like to live in Bogotá with such a budget.

The Cost of Living in Bogotá

Before we dive into the question of whether it is possible to live in Bogotá for less than $1000 USD per month, let’s take a quick look at the cost of living in the city.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Bogotá is around 47% lower than in New York City. This means that things like housing, groceries, transportation, and eating out are generally more affordable in Bogotá.

However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on where you live in the city. For example, areas like Zona T and Usaquén are generally more affluent and, therefore, more expensive than other parts of the city.

Accommodation Costs

One of the biggest expenses when living in any city is accommodation. In Bogotá, you can find a range of different accommodation options at various price points.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can find single-room apartments for rent for as low as $150 USD per month. However, keep in mind that these apartments may not be in the best areas of the city and may not have all the amenities that you’re used to.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can find one-bedroom apartments for rent for around $300-400 USD per month. These apartments are generally located in better areas of the city and come with basic amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water, and a kitchenette.

Transportation Costs

Another major expense in any city is transportation. In Bogotá, the most common form of transportation is the TransMilenio bus system. A single trip on the TransMilenio costs around 2200 Colombian pesos, or around 0.60 USD.

If you plan to use public transportation frequently, you can purchase a rechargeable card called a Tarjeta TuLlave. This card allows you to access the TransMilenio, as well as the city’s integrated bus system and the cable car system. The cost for the card is around $2 USD, and each trip costs around $0.60 USD.

If you prefer to use taxis, they are relatively affordable in Bogotá. A typical taxi ride within the city costs around $3-4 USD. However, keep in mind that traffic in Bogotá can be quite congested, so taxi rides may take longer than expected.

Grocery Costs

When it comes to groceries, Bogotá is generally more affordable than other major cities in the world. A bag of bananas costs around $1 USD, a liter of milk costs around $0.90 USD, and a loaf of bread costs around $0.80 USD.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can shop at local markets, where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices. If you prefer to shop at supermarkets, you can find a range of options, from budget to upscale, depending on your preferences and budget.

Eating Out Costs

Bogotá offers a wide range of dining options, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. The cost of eating out varies depending on the type of restaurant, but generally speaking, it’s quite affordable.

A typical meal at a local restaurant costs around $5-6 USD, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $12-15 USD. If you prefer to eat at an upscale restaurant, you can expect to pay around $20-30 USD per meal.

Summary

So, is it possible to live in Bogotá for less than $1000 USD per month? The answer is yes, but it may require some sacrifices, such as living in a less affluent area of the city or forgoing some luxuries that you’re used to.

However, if you’re willing to make some compromises, Bogotá can be surprisingly affordable. From accommodation to groceries to eating out, you can find plenty of options that fit a tight budget.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether living in Bogotá for less than $1000 USD per month is feasible for your lifestyle and budget. But hopefully, this blog post has provided some helpful insights and information to help you make that decision.