Living in Colombia may sound like a dangerous prospect that is to be avoided. However, this is not the case. While Colombia does have a moderate crime rate, it is not as dangerous as New York or Boston. Drug usage is lower than in Europe and while kidnappings do occur from time to time, they are not commonplace. Colombia actually has much to offer. The country has a low cost of living, the weather is pleasant and there are gorgeous beaches, beautiful parks, exotic forests and mountains and well known supermarkets, malls and restaurants.
What Does Colombia have to Offer?
Colombia is a three hour flight from Miami. Its close proximity to the United States is one reason why it is a popular retirement destination, but there are others.
The cost of housing is low and health insurance for those living in this place costs only half of what it would in the United States and one can enjoy diverse forms of recreations such as hiking, paragliding, snorkeling, bird watching, whale watching or simply relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun. While most Colombians only speak Spanish, the people are friendly and make an effort to understand foreigners.
What is the Cost of Living in Colombia?
As was noted above, the cost of living in this country is low. A retiree can rent a one bedroom apartment for as little as $300 or $400 a month. Utilities (including garbage, electricity, water, internet, gas and cable TV) come to only $170 a month. Groceries are cheap and there are large supermarkets where one can find everything that he or she would need. A retiree can eat out at a cheap restaurant for only $5 and buy gasoline for the car at a little over $1 a liter. While the cost of buying an apartment is over $1,000 a square meter, it is still cheaper to buy a home in Colombia than it would be in many parts of the United States.
Living in Colombia can be enjoyable, relaxing and even downright luxurious. The country is relatively safe, the people are friendly, most everything is cheap and there are many varied forms of entertainment. While living in this country has its downsides, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The country is in fact a lot safer and much more stable than it was in years past. A retiree who wants to enjoy comfortable living abroad should consider Colombia and all it has to offer.
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