What's The Lifestyle In Colombia Like For Its Residents?

4 min read

What's The Lifestyle In Colombia Like For Its Residents?

Colombia has a tropical climate without significant variations in temperature throughout the year. Cities in mountainous regions like Bogota have an average temperature of 58°F (14°C), which can be pretty chilly. At the other end of the spectrum, you have cities like Cartagena or Barranquilla, located in the northern coastal region where the weather is hot and humid with an average daily mean low temperature of 83°F (28°C) with daily highs of 90°F (32°C). Medellin, nestled below the Andes, has very moderate weather with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C) all year round.

Colombia has rugged geography, with the Amazon jungle to the east and the Andes mountain range to the south. Most of Colombia’s population is located in the Andean highlands.

In the heart of the country, cities like Bogotá and Medellín pulse with energy and innovation. The urban lifestyle in these areas is characterized by a dynamic mix of commerce, arts, and entertainment. Residents in these cities often find themselves immersed in a thriving cultural scene, with modern architecture standing alongside historic landmarks.

For those seeking a coastal paradise, the Caribbean areas of Colombia, such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, offer a lifestyle painted with sun-soaked beaches and vibrant colors. Coastal communities embody a laid-back atmosphere, inviting residents to embrace a slower pace of life. The influence of Afro-Caribbean culture adds a unique flavor to the lifestyle, reflected in the music, cuisine, and local festivities.

 

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 

Colombia has the world's second-largest population of Spanish speakers, ahead of Spain and Argentina but before Mexico.

Colombian cuisine is primarily a mix of Spanish, African, and Indigenous Colombian influences. Hearty meals with fresh vegetables, meat, and rice are the norm. For breakfast, one might enjoy a hearty bowl of Caldo de Costilla, beef rib soup with potatoes seasoned with garlic, onion, and cilantro served with an arepa. Or huevos pericos scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green onion. 

For lunch, many restaurants offer menu del dia or “menu of the day,” an inexpensive meal costing just a couple of dollars that includes juice, a thin fillet of some sort of meat, soup, rice, and beans or lentils. Rotisserie chicken is also trendy in Colombia, served with potatoes. 

There are also regional favourites, like bendeja paisa, a positively massive dish with beans, chorizo, minced meat, avocado, egg, chicharron, and plantain, not to mention an endless variety of hearty soups and stews with rich flavours and healthy ingredients. 

 

Related article: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency.

 

Women in Bright Dress Selling Fruits - Colombia's commitment to family values is evident in the close-knit communities that thrive across the country. Family plays a central role in the lives of locals, and community ties are strong. Whether in urban centers or rural areas, residents often find support and a sense of belonging within their communities. - The lifestyle in Colombia is a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a special place to live in South America. Colombia’s residents enjoy a dynamic life filled with dance, from the salsa rhythms of Cali to the vibrant festivals that highlight the country's deep traditions. The landscape is incredibly diverse, with everything from towering mountains to the stunning coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in Colombia's biodiversity, exploring jungles, rivers, and unique wildlife. Adventure seekers have countless activities, such as hiking in the Andes, coffee tasting in the world-famous coffee regions, and discovering hidden gems along the coast. Whether you're in the city or the countryside, the variety of landscapes and scenery offers endless opportunities for travel and exploration, all part of a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and the country's rich cultural heritage.

Women in Bright Dress Selling Fruits

COLOMBIA AS AN EXPAT DESTINATION 

Despite historical safety concerns, Colombia has improved dramatically as an expat destination over the last two decades. Still, things are far from perfect. The homicide rate is pretty high, at 22.6 per 100,000. This value has decreased considerably from its peak in 1991 at 84 per 100,000, during the end of Pablo Escobar’s reign. As Colombia’s economy continues to grow and poverty levels decrease, hopefully, the murder rate will also stay on the decline. 

This isn’t to say that Colombia as a country is unsafe. Most of the violence doesn’t involve expats or tourists. The ones who do tend to get in trouble are those who get involved with the criminal underworld. Most Colombians are honest, God-fearing individuals just going about their day. If you take a few simple precautions to avoid trouble, like not flashing any cash or expensive jewelry and not wandering around drunk at night, chances are you will be fine. Still, experiencing petty theft and robbery is possible when living in a country with substantial poverty. 

 

 

Colombia has a top-notch health care system. Colombia's private health care options are of the highest quality yet very affordable. Health insurance is cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about long waits as long as you are not using the public system. Prescription medicine also often costs pennies on the dollar. 

It is also important to remember that Colombia has a permanent residency by investment program. It is far from an expensive program, and you can easily apply for it on the web.

 

Related content: Easiest Ways To Get Your Residency in Colombia

 

COST OF LIVING 

Colombia is a highly affordable country, especially as the peso continues to be devalued against the dollar. Like anywhere, it does depend on where you live. Upscale neighbourhoods are going to be more expensive than a working-class barrio. Colombia can accommodate all budgets. Many expenses are a fraction of the cost you might pay in Canada or the USA. Your basic expenses like transportation, accommodations, and food are reasonable. 

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat are all locally sourced and cheap, although packaged foods and imported goods tend to be more expensive. Domestic help is also quite reasonable if you want it. One of the reasons why Colombia makes a great retirement destination is you can really stretch the value of your pension check or retirement savings. You don’t have to worry so much about making ends meet because rent, utilities, and basic necessities are a fraction of what you are used to paying and yet still of decent quality. And inflation actually works in your favour because of the steady devaluation of the peso. Your money buys more each year instead of less. 


Related content: Colombia Elects A Socialist And What It Means For Expats

 

Map of Colombia - The healthcare system in Colombia has seen significant improvements, providing residents with access to quality medical services. Major cities boast modern healthcare facilities, and the country's commitment to public health contributes to a positive lifestyle for its residents. - The lifestyle in Colombia is a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a special place to live in South America. Colombia’s residents enjoy a dynamic life filled with dance, from the salsa rhythms of Cali to the vibrant festivals that highlight the country's deep traditions. The landscape is incredibly diverse, with everything from towering mountains to the stunning coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in Colombia's biodiversity, exploring jungles, rivers, and unique wildlife. Adventure seekers have countless activities, such as hiking in the Andes, coffee tasting in the world-famous coffee regions, and discovering hidden gems along the coast. Whether you're in the city or the countryside, the variety of landscapes and scenery offers endless opportunities for travel and exploration, all part of a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and the country's rich cultural heritage.

Map of Colombia

ECONOMY 

The Colombian economy has been growing by 4.3% since 2003, with a banner year in 2021 achieving an increase of 10.3%, rebounding from the 7% contraction in 2020. Mid-year forecasts predict a growth of 6.1% in 2022. Colombia's rapidly modernizing economy has seen substantial growth in tourism, information technology, electronics, and construction. 

Lucrative employment opportunities for expats in Colombia are scarce because of the low wages. Many of the highest-paying opportunities for expats are working remotely for a company based in North America or freelancing online. Colombia ranked 67th in terms of ease of doing business by the world bank, above average for the region. 

Colombia taxes residents on worldwide income, so if you intend to stay more than 183 days out of the year, you should consider the impact on your tax liability. The Colombian income tax is steeply progressive, with a top marginal rate of 33% on income over $31,000 USD annually.

 

View of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia - Urban life in Colombia is just as exciting, with cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali offering a mix of modern amenities, such as hospitals, fashion boutiques, and lively nightlife scenes. In these cities, residents experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, where companies and start-ups thrive alongside cultural celebrations and sports events. The cities are connected by a number of airlines offering domestic and international flights, making travel between Colombia and other Latin American countries easy. Apartments vary in size and style, from modern high-rises to colonial-style homes, providing options for everyone. For those with a visa, the government provides a stable environment, allowing residents to fully embrace the vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and breathtaking landscapes of Colombia.

View of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Should I live in Colombia? 

Despite the risks, Colombia has a lot to offer expats. From the low cost of living to the generosity and kindness of the Colombian people, life in Colombia has a lot to offer. Colombia is a country of magnificent natural beauty. Living there, you will have an opportunity to experience a completely foreign culture and immerse yourself in a relatively easy-to-learn foreign language. Because English is so uncommon in Colombia, you will have no choice but to pick up basic Spanish at the very least.

The architecture of Colombia reflects its diverse history and cultural influences. From colonial-era structures in cities like Cartagena to contemporary designs in Bogotá, residents are surrounded by a visually captivating environment that tells the story of the nation's past and present.

Colombia's reputation as a retirement destination has been on the rise, attracting retirees from around the world. The combination of a favourable climate, cost of living, and a welcoming community makes it a paradise for those looking to enjoy their golden years in a vibrant and culturally rich setting.

In essence, the lifestyle in Colombia for its residents is a harmonious blend of urban dynamism, coastal tranquillity, strong community bonds, and a commitment to family values. With a diverse array of options, residents in Colombia find themselves embraced by a lifestyle that caters to a multitude of tastes and preferences.

 

Brazil Capitalizing On The Demand For Family-Friendly Rentals On the Edges of Brazils Bustling Business Districts-Oct-18-2024-09-20-32-2081-PM

 

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Mikkel Thorup

Written by Mikkel Thorup

Mikkel Thorup is the world’s most sought-after expat consultant. He focuses on helping high-net-worth private clients to legally mitigate tax liabilities, obtain a second residency and citizenship, and assemble a portfolio of foreign investments including international real estate, timber plantations, agricultural land and other hard-money tangible assets. Mikkel is the Founder and CEO at Expat Money®, a private consulting firm started in 2017. He hosts the popular weekly podcast, the Expat Money Show, and wrote the definitive #1-Best Selling book Expat Secrets - How To Pay Zero Taxes, Live Overseas And Make Giant Piles Of Money, and his second book: Expats Guide On Moving To Mexico.

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