How many dollars does it take to live well in Colombia? AI reveals it.

For a family in Colombia to live well, they need a monthly income that comfortably and worry-free covers their basic needs: housing, food, transportation, healthcare, utilities, education, and leisure. What happens when these values are translated into dollars? How much is needed? AI reveals.

Artificial intelligence has become a fundamental tool for answering questions that aren't easy to answer or that require in-depth analysis. In this case, when asked how many dollars an average family needs to live well, GPT Chat was instrumental:

“Living well in Colombia depends on lifestyle, the city you live in, and personal or family needs. However, on average, a single person can live comfortably on a monthly budget ranging from $700 to $1,200. This amount covers rent in a mid-range area, food, transportation, basic services, and some entertainment. In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, costs tend to be higher than in small or mid-range towns,” the application begins.

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“For a couple or small family, the budget increases proportionally. A three-person household, for example, may require between $1,200 and $2,000 per month to maintain a good quality of life. This includes housing in a safe neighborhood, basic education, private medical care if desired, transportation, and moderate leisure expenses. It's also important to consider access to health and education services, which can represent a significant expense without public coverage or subsidies.”

Furthermore, the exchange rate can affect the purchasing power of those who earn income in dollars, as the value of the Colombian peso against the dollar fluctuates constantly. "Even so, for those with income in foreign currency, Colombia remains an accessible destination for living with a good standard of living, enjoying its cultural diversity, gastronomy, temperate climate, and human quality," the IA concludes.

(READ MORE : The Dian clarified: if you earn more than this amount, you must file a tax return )

A budget tailored to your needs:

According to International Living magazine , compared to the United States, Colombia is an affordable place where budgets can be adjusted according to needs, family types, and accommodation areas.

The country's overall cost of living is low: the average cost of living index is 30.6 according to Numbeo (100 being the level of New York City), making it one of the most affordable destinations in South America. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, with indexes between 30 and 32 , and Caribbean locations like Cartagena with an index of 36 , offer much lower costs than U.S. cities.

On the other hand, the estimated monthly budget varies depending on lifestyle and city. In the country's capital, a person can live comfortably on about USD 1,200 per month , including rent for a furnished apartment, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment, and basic insurance. However, in smaller areas like the coffee region or Bucaramanga, it is possible to reduce this amount, maintaining a very good standard of living without exceeding USD 1,000 per month.