Popayán, CA, Colombia
The White City of Colombia, famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and Holy Week processions.
Below Average vs Colombia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Popayán vs Colombia Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 39.0%
- VAT: 19.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: COL$16,000,000
- Unemployment: 12.0%
- Population: 280,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 160/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 52°F
Housing
- Median Home: COL$150,000,000
- 1BR Rent: COL$700000/mo
Cost of Living
Popayán's cost of living index is 85 (Colombia average = 100).
| Category | Popayán | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: DANE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | COL$150,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | COL$700000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | COL$875,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | COL$100,000 |
Data source: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Popayán:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | COL$120000 | Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Colombian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | COL$5110 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | COL$50000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | COL$70000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | COL$25000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | COL$270110 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CREG, EPM, ETB 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Popayán
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: COL$840,000/mo.
Popayán Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: COL$770,000/mo.
East Popayán
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: COL$630,000/mo.
West Popayán
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: COL$665,000/mo.
Remote Work Score
Popayán scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Popayán has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F | 52°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 67°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
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 12.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Popayán 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
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 Popayán, CA, Colombia?
The cost of living index in Popayán is 85, which is Lower the Colombia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Popayán?
The median home price in Popayán is COL$150,000,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Popayán is approximately COL$700000/mo.
Does Popayán, CA have income tax?
Popayán is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 39%.
What is the climate like in Popayán?
Popayán enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 52°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.