City Guide 2026
Colombia
Living in Cali
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Cali, Colombia.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,035
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
29.200000000000003/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
24°C
75°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Cali
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $475 | $309 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,025 | $666 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$240/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Cali
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
24.1°
Feb
24.3°
Mar
24.5°
Apr
24.2°
May
24°
Jun
24.1°
Jul
24.3°
Aug
24.5°
Sep
24.2°
Oct
23.8°
Nov
23.7°
Dec
23.9°
Air Quality (AQI)
45
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
14
days per month
Beach Distance
110 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
0 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Cali
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
55/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Colombia
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Available | 24 months | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $100,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
5 years for most M-visas; 2 years for marriage/partner visas.
Tax Overview in Colombia
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 15% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 15% |
| Dividend Tax | 15% |
| Interest Income | 15% |
| Wealth Tax | 0.50% above $72,000 |
| Crypto Gains | 15% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Digital Nomad Visa (V Visa)
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cali?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Cali costs approximately $1,035-1,656/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $475/month.
Is Cali safe for expats?
Cali has a safety index of 29.200000000000003/100 (higher is safer). Cali requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 35/100.
What is the weather like in Cali?
Cali has an average annual temperature of 24°C (75°F). The warmest months reach 24.5°C and the coolest drop to 23.7°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 45.
What is the internet speed in Cali?
Average internet speed in Cali is 150 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Colombia?
Colombia uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 15% (long-term) and dividends at 15%. There is a wealth tax of 0.50% on assets above $72,000. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Digital Nomad Visa (V Visa)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Cali?
Yes, Colombia offers a digital nomad visa valid for 24 months. The residency pathway is: 5 years for most M-visas; 2 years for marriage/partner visas..
Is Cali good for digital nomads?
Cali has fast internet at 150 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is moderate at 55/100. The cost of living index is 25/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Compare Cali with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.