Colombia is a country filled with an array of flavors through its historical and cultural roots. With a diverse culinary palate and beautiful weather, this country is the ideal destination for those looking to live an exciting life.
With English not being a popular language and safety an issue, it’s not easy finding the perfect place to live, despite Colombia being such an awe-inspiring country. But do not fear; stay with us to discover the ten best places to live in Colombia that will make you wonder why you aren’t there already. There are some wonderful bubble hotels in Colombia as well as many others.
Next Read: Find out if Colombia made it onto our list of the best places to safari in South America.
Best Places to Live in Colombia for…
1. Expats:
Bogota
2. English Speakers: Medellin
3. Digital Nomads: Barranquilla
4. Solo Travelers: Cartagena
5. Couples: Bucaramanga
6. Groups: Cali
Top 10 Places to Live in Colombia
1. Bogota
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living:
$$
Bogota is the largest city in Colombia, with a nightlife you will never get sick of. This city is ideal for expats with plenty of job opportunities and richness in food and entertainment. With an extensive art scene, Bogota will always keep you curious.
Tip: Climb up Cerro Monserrate for a breathtaking view of Bogota.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, English speakers.
Pros:
● Affordable cost of living.
● Good standard of education.
● Safe city for LGBTQ+ community.
Cons:
● The city is cold to live in all year round.
● Terrible city traffic.
● Issue with crime at night.
2. Medellin
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living:
$$
Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring for its fantastic weather and gorgeous architecture. With a large community of digital nomads and expats, this city is easy to find fellow English speakers.
Tip: Take a day trip to Guatape lake to witness some authentic Colombian scenery.
Who Would Like to Live There: English speakers, expats, digital nomads.
Pros:
● The Internet signal is good.
● Excellent weather all year round.
● English is common within the city.
Cons:
● Crime is an issue in areas such as El Centro.
● Overcrowded city.
● Terrible city traffic.
3. Barranquilla
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living:
$$
Barranquilla is a large port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast with beautiful views and lively nightlife. The city is ideal for those looking to travel the country on a budget, with easy access to breathtaking destinations.
Tip: Join in the festivities in the Carnaval de Barranquilla for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital nomads, solo travelers.
Pros:
● Excellent weather all year round.
● Affordable cost of living.
● The city is not overcrowded.
Cons:
● Petty crime is an issue.
● It is not family-friendly.
● Poor quality of education.
4. Cartagena
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living:
$$$
Cartagena is the place to be if you are searching for a picturesque beach city with stunning Spanish-inspired architecture. From the humble pastel-colored homes of Getsemani to the luxury dwellings of Bocagrande, this city will offer you everything you need to live in Colombia.
Tip: Visit the Islas del Rosario off the city’s coast to experience the beautiful Caribbean coral reefs.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo travelers, nature lovers.
Pros:
● It is safe for solo female travelers; find out more about staying safe while traveling solo.
● The city is not overcrowded.
● There is good air quality.
Cons:
● Summers can be hot and humid.
● Healthcare is not great.
● There are issues with petty crime.
5. Bucaramanga
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living:
$
The towering Andes Mountains and flowing hills of coffee plantations make Bucaramanga a truly romantic city. With many parks and quaint coffee shops across the city, settling down here is ideal for couples wanting to live in the mountains.
Tip: Visit the Parque Nacional de Chicamocha to experience the city’s abundance in nature.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, coffee lovers, digital nomads.
Pros:
● The city is very affordable.
● It is warm all year round.
● There are plenty of spaces to work from.
Cons:
● The quality of healthcare is poor.
● Traffic in the city can be bad.
● There are issues with petty crime.
6. Cali
Best Place to Live in Groups
Cost of Living:
$
Cali is an affordable city and is highly rated compared to other cities in Colombia. Cali is ideal for groups, with an array of activities in and around the city. Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali provides excellent spaces to learn how to dance and a wide variety of delicious foods.
Tip: Go and watch Cali’s famous salsa circus, Deirio, and experience the best salsa has to offer.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, digital nomads, dancers.
Pros:
● People in the city are friendly.
● The city has good internet speed.
● English is common in the city.
Cons:
● Summers are hot and humid.
● Some areas of the city are not safe.
● Traffic can be dangerous.
7. Popayan
Best city to Live for Retirees
Cost of Living:
$$
Popayan is a small quiet town in the foothills of the Andes mountains and is perfect for someone looking to settle down and retire. Known as The White City due to its whitewashed colonial buildings, this small town has a homely feel.
Tip: Take a short day trip and soak in the thermal hot pools of Coconuco while admiring the scenic views.
Who Would Like to Live There: Retirees, couples.
Pros:
● It is an affordable town to live in.
● It is a very safe town.
● There are plenty of nature walks.
Cons:
● It may not be exciting enough for some people.
● Winters can get cold.
● There are few job opportunities.
8. San Gil
Best Place to Live for Adrenaline Seekers
Cost of Living:
$$
San Gil is the place for all adventure seekers and adrenaline enthusiasts. Known as the extreme sports capital of Colombia, San Gil has plenty of outdoor activities for you to do in a relatively small town.
Tip: Go to the Parque La Libertad to experience the nightlife of the town and meet up with fellow travelers.
Who Would Like to Live There: Adrenaline seekers, nature lovers.
Pros:
● There is plenty to do in the town.
● The town is safe.
● It has warm weather all year round.
Cons:
● Slow internet speed.
● If you are not one for nature, there is not much to do.
● Healthcare in the town is not good.
9. Leticia
Best Place to Live Off-The-Grid
Cost of Living:
$
Leticia is a small city nestled in the dense Amazonian rainforest. If you want a simple, off-the-grid lifestyle with plenty of adventure and wildlife, then Leticia is the place for you. With a low cost of living and quick access to nature, this city is a unique place to live.
Tip: Visit one of the many indigenous tribes of Colombia, like the Yagua tribe, to experience cultures unlike any other.
Who Would Like to Live There: Nature lovers, solo travelers.
Pros:
● There is a plethora of wildlife to see.
● It is a safe city.
● It offers off-the-grid living.
Cons:
● This city is not for you if you are not the outdoor type.
● Healthcare in the city is not good.
● It is a remote city and not close to other major cities.
10. Santa Marta
Best Place to Live for Beach Lovers
Cost of Living:
$
Santa Marta is a gorgeous city lined with the best beaches in Colombia. While this city is relatively laid back when the tourism season hits, it becomes a bustling metropolis of lively activity and sunbathing galore. Santa Marta is an idyllic city with a mix of culinary delights and friendly people.
Tip: Visit the Tayrona National Park to see breathtaking views and become immersed in the natural wildlife of Colombia.
Who Would Like to Live There: Beach lovers, expats, couples.
Pros:
● Affordable cost of living.
● It is warm all year round.
● It is easy to make friends.
Cons:
● English is not common in the city.
● The hospitals in the city are bad.
● The quality of education in the city is poor.