Skyline of Cali
Cost of Living: 100 2,200,000

Cali, VC, Colombia

Colombia's salsa capital, a vibrant tropical city with a lively music scene and warm year-round climate.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Colombia Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income COL$28,000,000

Household income

Unemployment 11.0%

Job market health

Cali vs Colombia Average

Cost of Living
Cali: 100
Colombia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Cali: 120
Colombia Avg: 100
Income Tax
Cali: 39%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 39.0%
  • VAT: 19.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: COL$28,000,000
  • Unemployment: 11.0%
  • Population: 2,200,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 66°F

Housing

  • Median Home: COL$280,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: COL$1200000/mo

Cost of Living

Cali's cost of living index is 100 (Colombia average = 100).

CategoryCaliNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: DANE / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceCOL$280,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)COL$1200000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)COL$1,500,000/mo
Price per Sq FtCOL$186,666

Data source: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

COL$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
COL$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cali:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityCOL$120000Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Colombian household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)COL$51221Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterCOL$50000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)COL$70000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashCOL$25000Private service
Total UtilitiesCOL$316221Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CREG, EPM, ETB 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Cali

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: COL$1,440,000/mo.

Cali Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: COL$1,320,000/mo.

East Cali

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: COL$1,080,000/mo.

West Cali

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: COL$1,140,000/mo.

Remote Work Score

Cali scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
COL$1200000
Sunny Days
200
Tax
39%
Unemployment
11.0%
Climate
88°F / 66°F

Climate

Cali has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January86°F66°F2.5"
April73°F81°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F84°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 39%
  • VAT: 19%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 11.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Cali per 100,000 residents:

180.0
Violent Crime
400.0
Property Crime
24.0
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cali, VC, Colombia?

The cost of living index in Cali is 100, which is Lower the Colombia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Cali?

The median home price in Cali is COL$280,000,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cali is approximately COL$1200000/mo.

Does Cali, VC have income tax?

Cali is in VC, which has an income tax rate of 39%.

What is the climate like in Cali?

Cali enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 66°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: DANE / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: DANE Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities CREG, EPM, ETB 2025

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.