Cali, Colombia
Colombia's salsa capital, a vibrant tropical city with a lively music scene and warm year-round climate.
Overview
Cali is a city in VC with a population of 2,200,000. Colombia’s salsa capital, a vibrant tropical city with a lively music scene and warm year-round climate. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 32.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Colombia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cali vs Colombia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 39.0%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
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).
| Category | Cali | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: DANE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | COL$280,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | COL$1200000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | COL$1,500,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | COL$186,666 |
Data source: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cali:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | COL$62000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | COL$51221 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | COL$25000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | COL$35000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | COL$173221 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CREG, EPM, ETB 2025
Remote Work Score
Cali scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cali has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86°F | 66°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 81°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 84°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cali faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant hurricane risk.
River and flash floods.
Andean region with frequent landslides.
Extreme summer heat in lowlands.
Volcanic activity in the Andes mountain range.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Amazon and Andean wildfires.
Andean region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 39%
- Sales Tax: 19%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% 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:
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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Many schools operate in morning shifts. Year-end break is the longest.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Cali is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: DANE Census (2018)
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, 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.