World-class coffee. Tropical fruit you have likely never tasted. Salsa that spills out of open doorways. Snow-capped Andean peaks, Amazon jungle, Pacific coastline, Caribbean beaches, and even desert landscapes within one country. A move to Colombia is sure to keep you on your toes.
Along with its attractions, Colombia’s developments have shaped it into an appealing destination for relocation. Today, retirees and remote workers flock to Colombia in search of an abundant lifestyle without carrying the financial weight of major U.S. cities, accessible healthcare, and community.
If Colombia is on your shortlist, read on to find out the top reasons Americans are moving to Colombia and learn your options in making this relocation a reality.
Reasons to Move to Colombia and Things to Know
Weather
Colombia doesn’t have four traditional seasons, and the weather in every city is determined by elevation.
In Bogotá, located at about 8,660 feet above sea level, you’ll find cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and rain. If you prefer sweater weather, then you’ll love Bogotá. In Medellín, on the other hand, temperatures hover in a spring-like range year-round. Its nickname, the City of Eternal Spring, aptly reflects that. Coastal cities like Cartagena, located on the Caribbean Sea, are hot and humid all year round.
So, one of the biggest factors in choosing a city to base yourself is your preferred climate. But know that if you choose Cartagena and happen to miss the cold, moody Bogotá is only an hour and a half away by flight.
Housing
Finding a rental in Colombia can be challenging. It’s important to carefully consider your neighborhood, as comfort levels and monthly costs are influenced by the country’s “strata system”—a socioeconomic classification ranging from 1 (lowest) to 6 (highest). Neighborhoods with higher strata mean higher utility bills and municipal fees. Research the strata and safety of different areas before making your choice.
Similar to many other countries, landlords prefer long-term tenants with stable local employment. Without a Colombian work contract or guarantor, you may be requested to pay several months of rent in advance.
Expat networks and Facebook groups are some of the best search channels for rental properties rather than traditional broken relationships, unless you are ready to purchase. Many Americans who have tried and tested their new destination and settled on their preferred neighborhood choose to purchase property, as it anchors their visa processing.
Healthcare
Expats consistently speak highly about Colombia’s healthcare system. So much so that it’s growing into a medical tourism destination as well, with individuals and retirees seeking better quality and more affordable procedures outside of the U.S.
Both public and private systems provide reliable care at a fraction of U.S. costs. The private route offers shorter wait times and upgraded facilities while remaining accessible.
Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons why Americans are moving to Colombia is the cost of living. The average cost of living in Colombia is about 70% less than in the United States. Everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, dining, and healthcare trend significantly below U.S. averages.
However, you should note that your living costs will depend on the neighborhood you choose to settle in. In Colombia, neighborhoods are classified into strata from 1 to 6 based on socioeconomic level. Your strata influence utility pricing and certain municipal costs. The higher the strata, the higher the cost.
Local produce and services are affordable. Imported goods, on the other hand, are heavily taxed, so if your lifestyle relies on imported brands, your monthly expenses will reflect that choice. Your overall cost of living will still be lower than in the U.S., but these points are worth considering when preparing for your move.
Transportation
In many Colombian cities, everyday life happens on foot. Cafes, corner stores, gyms, and pharmacies cluster within neighborhoods. Medellin has an amazing metro system. Otherwise, rideshare services are widely used and affordable. Unfortunately, traffic congestion affects major urban centers, so consider your commute times and proximity to schools and healthcare facilities when selecting neighborhoods.
Safety
In 2026, Colombia ranked as the 126th safest country in the world on Numbeo’s safety index. Although this rating may not instill reassurance, expats living in Colombia have nothing but great things to say about their level of safety. Just like anywhere else, Colombia has safer cities than others and, within them, safer neighborhoods. Be aware of your whereabouts and your belongings, exercise caution, and avoid displaying high-value items in public spaces. Or as the Colombians put it, “don’t give papaya”, which roughly means don’t tempt by being an easy target.
Language
While English is occasionally spoken in big cities and tourism sectors, and expat communities are abundant, knowledge of Spanish is necessary for daily life and integration. Administrative tasks, legal processes, healthcare appointments, and business transactions take place in Spanish. If you are planning to work in Colombia, working proficiency in Spanish is a must.
Culture and Lifestyle
Colombian culture values family and connection. You will quickly notice how incredibly friendly and helpful people are and how easy it is to make genuine friendships.
With abundant nature and events, it’s easy to maintain an active lifestyle. Hiking trails, biking routes, paddle, and classes of every kind are easily accessible. There are also free events like weekly ciclovias that close major roads to vehicles and open them to cyclists and pedestrians.
Visas
If you are serious about making a move to Colombia, here are some common visa routes you should consider:
- Work Visa: Requires a job offer from a Colombian employer, who must justify hiring a foreign national. You may also be required to have working proficiency in the Spanish language.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Designed for remote workers earning income from abroad. Proof of foreign income is required. Local employment, even in freelance or contractor roles, is not permitted under this visa category.
- Retirement Visa: Requires meeting specific age and income thresholds based on pension or retirement income.
Where to Live in Colombia
Bogotá: Set high in the Andes, Bogotá is Colombia’s mountainous, often moody capital. Historic and arts-driven, it also serves as the country’s commercial center, giving it an inspiring yet fast-moving energy.
Medellín: Colombia’s second-largest city, nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring, is landlocked and surrounded by mountains, making it a great setting for hiking and cycling. Medellín balances urban infrastructure with a relaxed atmosphere, which has made it a popular base for digital nomads.
Cartagena: A color-splashed city on the Caribbean coast with a UNESCO-listed historic old town and plenty of entertainment, Cartagena receives many tourists and is a popular choice for retirees and remote workers looking to live near the water.
Is Moving to Colombia Right for You?
Moving to Colombia suits Americans who value lifestyle, access to nature, and lower monthly expenses. It requires flexibility and knowledge of Spanish, but it rewards with some of the most fascinating geographic diversity in the world, excellent healthcare, and a meaningful community. If this sounds like the right fit for you, prepare for your relocation with the help of our relocation resources and get tailored guidance from our personal move coordinators.
