Bogotá
Cali

Bogotá vs Cali — Cost of Living Comparison

Bogotá
Colombia
VS
Cali
Colombia
Estimated average living costs are ~56% lower in Cali

Bogotá

$1,250

avg. monthly cost

Population

7,900,000

Safety

38/100

Quality

44/100

Cost
30
Safety
38
Life
44

Cali

$550

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,200,000

Safety

38/100

Quality

45/100

Cost
23
Safety
38
Life
45

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~56% lower in Cali

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bogotá

$1,250

estimated per month

Cali

$550

estimated per month

Difference

-56.0%

Monthly savings

$700

Yearly savings

$8,400

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$33,000

-$42,000/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBogotáCaliDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$320.00
-28.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$300.00$200.00
-33.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$600.00
-33.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00$380.00
-30.9%
ItemBogotáCaliDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.00$3.00
-25.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00$18.00
-18.2%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$5.00
-9.1%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$0.90
-10.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.10$0.90
-18.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.85$0.85
0.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.60$1.50
-6.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$1.90
-13.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.65$0.70
+7.7%
ItemBogotáCaliDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$28.00$25.00
-10.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.65$0.60
-7.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.85$0.80
-5.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$0.50
+11.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.80$0.70
-12.5%
ItemBogotáCaliDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$50.00
-23.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00$11.00
-8.3%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$18.00$20.00
+11.1%
ItemBogotáCaliDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$18.00$15.00
-16.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$22.00$12.00
-45.5%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$7.00$5.00
-28.6%
ItemBogotáCaliDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00$20.00
-20.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00$3.50
-12.5%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.20$1.50
-31.8%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.00$1.80
-10.0%
ItemBogotáCaliDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$42.00$32.00
-23.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$18.00
-35.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00$50.00
-23.1%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Bogotá vs Cali

Is Bogotá or Cali more expensive?
Bogotá is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 30 compared with 23 for Cali.
How much cheaper is Cali than Bogotá?
Living in Cali is around 23% cheaper than Bogotá, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bogotá and Cali?
Bogotá scores 30 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Cali scores 23 — where New York City equals 100.