Cost of living in Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga, known as the 'City of Parks', is a vibrant city in Colombia that offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Bucaramanga is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.84 on average, with a range between $2.27 and $6.82.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $18.77, with prices ranging from $14.79 to $22.75.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.37, with a range between $4.55 and $6.82.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.8 to $2.27, imported beer $1.14 to $2.73, cappuccino $0.45 to $2.27, and Coke/Pepsi $0.59 to $1.02.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.85 and $1.36 per liter, averaging $1.13.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.75 and $1.14, with an average price of $1.02.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.24 to $2.73, averaging $2.06.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.14 to $2.73 per kg, while oranges range from $0.41 to $0.91 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.55 and $1.36 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.57 to $0.91 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.61 and $0.68, with a monthly pass priced between $35.67 and $47.77.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.58 and $0.96 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.48, with a cost of $0.68 to $1.68 per km and $3.41 to $7.96 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $170.62 to $363.99, averaging $271.37.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $136.5 to $341.24, averaging $223.7.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $295.74 to $682.48, averaging $462.57.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $250.24 to $682.48, averaging $428.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $909.97 to $1706.2, averaging $1190.55.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $682.48 to $1637.95, averaging $1016.14.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $44.92 and $102.37, averaging $69.27.
- Internet - Internet services range from $15.92 to $27.3, with an average cost of $20.62.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Colombia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Colombia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Bucaramanga offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for those looking to balance affordability with quality of life.
Dining out is particularly affordable, with inexpensive meals available for under $3.
Housing costs are reasonable, especially outside the city centre, where rent and property prices are significantly lower.
Transportation is cost-effective, with affordable public transport options and low fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bucaramanga presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.
This makes it an appealing choice for both locals and expatriates seeking a vibrant yet budget-friendly city in Colombia.