Tips for Finding Housing in Colombia

Published on October 24, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Finding housing in Colombia can seem intimidating, especially for those discovering this culturally rich and diverse country for the first time. Between cultural differences and regional price variations, being well-informed is essential to avoid pitfalls.

This article offers a wealth of practical tips to successfully navigate the Colombian real estate market. Whether you want to settle in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena, discover how to optimize your search by considering local particularities and making the most of available resources.

With our advice, finding housing in Colombia can become an exciting and enriching adventure.

Finding Housing in Colombia: Practical Tips

Types of Housing Available in Colombia

• Apartments: Predominant in large cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali). Available furnished (ideal for short stays) or unfurnished (cheaper, but often without basic amenities).
• Houses: More common in suburbs or small towns, often with a garden or interior courtyard. Ideal for families.
• Studios/Lofts: Suitable for students or digital nomads.
• Shared Housing: An economical and friendly option, especially around universities. Fewer offerings than in Europe, but expanding in large cities.
• Gated Communities (conjuntos cerrados): Secure, with 24/7 security, often equipped with a pool, gym, etc.
• Rooms in a Host Family: An economical solution with guaranteed cultural immersion.

Housing Type	Main Features	For Whom?
Apartment	Furnished or not, secure, downtown	Expats, young professionals
House	More space, garden, suburbs or small towns	Families
Studio/Loft	Small, functional	Students, short stays
Shared Housing	Shared expenses, friendliness	Students, young professionals
Gated Community	Security, shared amenities	Families, remote workers
Room in a Host Family	Economical, local immersion	Singles, students

Common Methods for Finding Housing

• Online Platforms: OLX, Vivendo, Finca Raiz, CompartoApto, Appartager, Airbnb (for temporary stays), Coliving.com (for shared housing).
• Social Media: Specialized Facebook groups for expatriates or specific neighborhoods.
• Word of Mouth: Very effective, especially for off-market offers or in residential areas.
• Real Estate Agencies: Practical for securing the transaction, but sometimes heavy administrative requirements (guarantor, proof of income, etc.).
• Local Newspapers: Print or online classifieds, still used in some cities.

Legal Aspects to Consider

• Written lease agreement mandatory (often for a minimum of one year).
• Security deposit: 1 to 3 months’ rent depending on the landlord.
• Fiador (local guarantor): Frequently required, especially for expatriates without credit history in Colombia.
• Rent default insurance: Alternative to a guarantor, sometimes imposed.
• Utilities: Not included in the rent. Their cost depends on the “estrato” (socio-economic category of the neighborhood).

Average Rental Prices (2025)

City	1-Bedroom Apartment/Month	2-Bedroom Apartment/Month	High-End Neighborhoods (Approximate)
Bogotá	2,050,000 COP ($440)	3,000,000-4,500,000 COP	Usaquén, Chapinero, Rosales, Chico
Medellín	1,230,000 COP ($264)	2,000,000-3,000,000 COP	El Poblado, Laureles
Cali	1,030,000 COP ($222)	1,800,000-2,800,000 COP	Ciudad Jardín, Granada, San Fernando
Cartagena	2,470,000 COP ($530)	3,500,000-5,500,000 COP	Bocagrande, Manga, El Laguito
Barranquilla	1,110,000 COP ($238)	2,000,000-3,500,000 COP	Puerto Colombia, El Prado

Note: Prices vary significantly by neighborhood (from estrato 1 to 6), the condition of the housing, and amenities.

Cultural and Practical Tips

• Negotiation: Rent negotiation is common. It is recommended to always propose a lower price in the first offer.
• Mandatory Visit: Always visit the property before signing. Check the general condition, water pressure, lighting, and neighborhood.
• Caution with Advance Payments: Never pay a deposit without a signed contract and verification of the landlord’s ownership.
• Contract Drafting: Demand a written contract detailing the rent amount, utilities, duration, termination terms, and condition of the property.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing a contract without understanding all clauses or without a reliable translation if you don’t master Spanish.
• Not verifying the landlord’s legal existence (ask for proof of ownership).
• Paying a deposit without having visited the property.
• Accepting a sublease (often prohibited).
• Forgetting to check utilities and any associated debts for the property.

Resources for Expatriates

• Facebook Groups: “French in Bogotá”, “Expats in Medellín”, “Colombia Expat”, etc.
• Specialized Sites: Appartager, CompartoApto, Coliving.com for shared housing.
• Local Real Estate Agent Services: Some specialize in assisting expatriates, facilitating the search, negotiation, and understanding of administrative procedures.
• Expatriate Associations: UFE (Union of French Abroad), Alliance Française, expatriate networks, dedicated forums.

Budgeting for Housing in Colombia: How Much to Plan For

Housing Type	Bogotá (COP/month)	Medellín (COP/month)	Cartagena (COP/month)	Rural Areas or Small Towns (COP/month)
1-Bedroom Apartment – Downtown	1,450,000 to 2,050,000	1,100,000 to 1,250,000	1,400,000 to 2,000,000	700,000 to 1,200,000
1-Bedroom Apartment – Outside Downtown	1,200,000 to 1,450,000	850,000 to 1,100,000	1,100,000 to 1,500,000	500,000 to 900,000
2-3 Bedroom Apartment – Downtown	2,300,000 to 3,500,000	1,800,000 to 2,600,000	2,500,000 to 4,000,000	1,000,000 to 2,000,000
House (Small, Outside Downtown)	1,800,000 to 3,000,000	1,300,000 to 2,200,000	2,000,000 to 3,500,000	900,000 to 1,800,000

Common Rental Expenses

• Water: 30,000 to 60,000 COP/month
• Electricity: 40,000 to 100,000 COP/month (depending on air conditioning or heating, rare at high altitudes)
• Gas: 20,000 to 50,000 COP/month
• Internet (High-speed, fiber): 70,000 to 120,000 COP/month
• Landline/Cable TV (Optional): 30,000 to 70,000 COP/month

Real Estate Agency Fees and Security Deposits

• Agency Fees: Generally 1 month’s rent (often shared between tenant and landlord)
• Security Deposit: 1 to 2 months’ rent
• Some landlords require a local guarantor (fiador)

Impact of Location and Amenities on Budget

• Central, secure neighborhoods close to shops, transportation, international schools: Rents 20 to 40% higher
• Outlying or popular areas: More affordable rents, but sometimes lower security or access to services
• Coastal cities and tourist areas (e.g., Cartagena): Rents often above the national average

Tips to Save on Housing

• Prioritize neighborhoods in the suburbs or well-served by public transportation
• Opt for shared housing or a shared apartment
• Negotiate the rent, especially for long-term contracts
• Compare via local platforms (Finca Raíz, Properati, Metrocuadrado) and consult expatriate or student Facebook groups
• Check if utilities are included in the rent before signing

Useful Resources for Estimating Costs

• Specialized Sites: numbeo.com, properstar.fr, combien-coute.net
• Local Real Estate Listing Platforms: Finca Raíz, Metrocuadrado, Properati
• Expatriate groups on social media for feedback

Sample Monthly Estimate for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Medellín, Outside Downtown, in 2025

• Rent: 1,100,000 COP
• Water, Electricity, Gas: 120,000 COP
• Internet: 90,000 COP
• Total Monthly: 1,310,000 COP (approximately $285)
• Security Deposit to Plan For: 1 to 2 months’ rent

Important Note: The housing budget heavily depends on the city, neighborhood, security, proximity to transportation and amenities, and the building’s standard. Prices can change with the exchange rate and seasonality, especially in tourist areas.

The Best Neighborhoods to Live as an Expatriate in Colombia

City	Popular Neighborhoods	Safety	Amenities	Transportation	Cost of Living	International Community / Integration	Expatriate Reviews
Bogotá	Chapinero	Fair, caution at night	Bars, restaurants, coworking, universities	Access to TransMilenio buses, taxis	Moderate to high	Strong, many events and meeting places	“Easy to meet other foreigners, dynamic atmosphere.”
	Zona Rosa	Good, surveillance	Shops, malls, nightlife	Close to transportation, taxis	High	Many expatriates, developed networks	“Comfortable neighborhood, reassuring, perfect for social life.”
	Usaquén	Good, residential	Green spaces, markets, restaurants	Buses, taxis	Moderate to high	Family community, retirees	“Safety, calm, local markets very appreciated.”
Medellín	El Poblado	Very good, residential	Shops, restaurants, bars, malls	Metro, taxis	High	Very strong, active groups, many events	“Easy integration, modern and secure neighborhood.”
	Laureles	Good	Cafes, green spaces, schools, shops	Metro, buses	Medium to high	Presence of expatriates, more local vibe	“More authentic, cheaper than El Poblado.”
	Envigado	Good, family-friendly	Supermarkets, parks, restaurants	Metro, buses	Moderate to high	Growing community, pleasant local life	“Perfect for families, tranquil atmosphere.”
Cali	San Antonio	Average, caution in the evening	Cultural life, restaurants, colonial architecture	Buses, taxis, central area	Moderate	Presence of foreigners, bohemian vibe	“Lots of artists, friendly atmosphere.”
	Granada	Fair to good	Gastronomy, bars, hotels, shops	Easy access, near downtown	Moderate to high	Several expatriates, nightlife	“Varied gastronomy, lively neighborhood.”
	Santa Monica, El Peñon, Normandia, Santa Rita	Good in residential areas	Malls, parks, restaurants	Buses, taxis	Medium to high	Expat communities, especially north and west	“Safety, proximity to shops, tranquil life.”

Key Points by City/Neighborhood:

Bogotá

• Chapinero: Young, dynamic neighborhood, ideal for students and young professionals, great cultural diversity. Fair safety, but caution recommended at night. Many cafes, bars, coworking spaces. Lively nightlife.
• Zona Rosa: More upscale, very secure, perfect for those seeking comfort, immediate access to all amenities, very active nightlife.
• Usaquén: Village-like atmosphere, artisan markets, family restaurants, green spaces. Highly sought after by families and retirees, peaceful atmosphere.

Medellín

• El Poblado: Modern residential neighborhood, highly secure, center of nightlife and restaurants, close to the metro. High budget, but easy integration thanks to a strong international community.
• Laureles: More local vibe, less touristy, many parks and cafes. Better value for money, appreciated safety. More authentic for those looking to immerse in paisa culture.
• Envigado: Bordering Medellín, small-town atmosphere, safety and quality of life, very appreciated by families. Proximity to metro and amenities.

Cali

• San Antonio: Historic neighborhood, very appreciated for its bohemian vibe, cafes, and cultural life. Variable safety, caution advised in the evening.
• Granada: Gastronomic and festive, many upscale bars and restaurants, good safety in frequented areas.
• Santa Monica, El Peñon, Normandia, Santa Rita: Residential neighborhoods, enhanced safety in gated communities, many parks and malls. Ideal for a calmer life while remaining close to downtown.

Ease of Integration and Practical Tips:

• The presence of expatriate groups (notably in Medellín and Bogotá) facilitates integration. Platforms like Facebook or Meetup are widely used to organize events and share advice.
• Knowledge of Spanish, even basic, is a major asset to accelerate integration and avoid isolation.
• It is advisable to prioritize secure residences (gate, security), especially for families.
• For transportation, Medellín is the only city with a modern metro, which is an advantage for mobility. In Bogotá and Cali, the bus network and taxi apps are the main options.

Expatriate Testimonials:

“In Medellín, the welcome from locals and human warmth allowed me to feel at home very quickly. The expat community is very tight-knit, especially in El Poblado.”

“In Bogotá, Chapinero won me over with its diversity and cafes where you meet people from all over the world.”

“Cali is about the sweetness of life, salsa, and a more relaxed atmosphere, even if I avoid going out late in some neighborhoods.”

Housing Tips:

• Prioritize a short-term rental to start, to discover the neighborhood’s atmosphere at different times of the day.
• Never transfer money without having signed an official contract.
• For the budget, plan on average between 2 and 4 million Colombian pesos per month for a quality apartment in sought-after neighborhoods, including utilities.

Visual Summary of Recommended Neighborhoods:

City	Recommended Neighborhoods
Bogotá	Chapinero, Zona Rosa, Usaquén, La Candelaria
Medellín	El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado
Cali	San Antonio, Granada, Santa Monica, El Peñon

To Remember:
The favorite neighborhoods of expatriates in Colombia combine safety, easy access to amenities, cultural life, and a strong international presence, with options suitable for singles, families, or retirees alike.