Cost of living in Colombia

beisbollover says on Jan 10, 2008, 06:30:

Very true.....but I guess the people on here that compare are people who are not so poor financially and travel between the US and Colombia often enough to care about the differences.

I always wondered why the Colombian government doesn't raise the minimum salary or at least pay policemen and service workers a fair salary to help stem corruption. It is totally understandable why the police are corrupt when they earn so little to live on. Time to start a new discussion about that....

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Lowell says on Jan 10, 2008, 06:37:

Try taking care of a large family on the declining dollar and rapidly rising prices of all things in Colombia. It's not cheap! Then the other day I find out that the pharmacy that I've faithfully been giving my business to has been overcharging me. Then when I slighly raise my voice with them after I find this out, I'm in the wrong. This Colombia attitude of non confrontation is stupid. It seems like people screw with each back and forth as often as possible, because they know that they won't get challenged.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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Chelesupercono says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:06:

You cannot erase corruption from cultures where there are a complete lack of values, ethics, honor and shame......and it all starts at home.......where everyone wants to f^ch over each other....

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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ellbee2 says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:11:

So true Lowell. One the hardest things for me to adjust to when I was first living in Bogota was the "It's Colombia" excuse I constantly had to deal with. I don't understand how people can just put up with bad service, questionable business practices and general attitude that its OK to try and screw somebody.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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miamimike says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:33:

"I don't understand how people can just put up with bad service, questionable business practices and general attitude that its OK to try and screw somebody" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------With that Age Old Mentality, its a Big Reason the Country has a Hard time progressing and moving forward.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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tejasmarcos says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:36:

I see the same things happening in the USA. However, there seems to be a greater degree of "buyer beware" here. I think it is harder to be informed here vs. USA.

We have that whole "investigative reporter" thing back in the USA that exposes the scams.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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mranderson says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:36:

I agree with the non confrontational thing. I'm having that problem with my wife. We have been looking for a house or apt for a while now but everyone we look at is overpriced. She won't let me nicely tell them I'm not interested because it's way overpriced. The other day we looked at a house that was a one bedroom and the lady told us it had a big bedroom.
The entire house was the size of a medium sized living room without any bedrooms and when I started to speak up my wife kept hushing me. She says it's rude but really what is rude is what these people are trying to pull. I'm slowly changing her attitute :)

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Gator says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:41:

"Try telling someone living in Ibague making 500.000 pesos a month that 60.000 for the bus to Bogota is "cheap," Wow!!

Those prices,have really shot up since yesterday. We paid $1.200 pesos for the bus in Bogotá. As a long-time resident the wife and I accept things for what they are-otherwise we would move.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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ellbee2 says on Jan 10, 2008, 07:46:

Gator...I said the bus FROM Ibague to Bogota.....

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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Gator says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:49:

Sorry, thought post said in Bogotá. Anyway from Ibagué to Bogotá should be about
$29.000 depending on the line.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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robi666 says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:54:

"everything we look at is overpriced"
If it is everything, it is just priced.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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gabolicious says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:38:

"I am going to apply for a US dollar credit card, since dollar is devaluating" Gabo's friend...

Risky? Careful guys Colombia is not that cheap as you think...

Elección no canonización....

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gabolicious says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:21:

docwilliam I dont' have a car in Colombia, what for? I love to walk when I'm there!!!! I agree with you...

Elección no canonización....

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:28:

How many people in the Chicago loop or Manhattan use cars regularly? You can live without a car in the US if you choose to.

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scotty says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:30:

well if the economy keeps going the way it is here in the US many people will be saying go to the US its cheaper there, already the Europeans are here spending their euros. i just met a married couple from England last week here on vacation, they told me finally they can afford to take a vacation to the US.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:36:

You want to eat AND play? Aren't we a greedy boy?

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:39:

Damn, that property tax bill sounds downright Colombian. Wish I could say the same for Madison. My little condo is $3800 per year.

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:47:

Yeah, and look at all the services I'm getting with no kids and living the vast majority of my time in Colombia.

Does Kentucky have any airports?

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:52:

Ah...but at least you're around well-educated products of the public school system while in Wisconsin. Couldn't say the same in Chicago. Anyway, I feel your pain. It's about the same here in commie Minneapolis. I spent the a.m. looking at homes and their corresponding tax statements. Ouch!

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:55:

You got that right. All of my education was in MN and WI in public schools. I was very fortunate. But didn't my parents pay for that in their property taxes?

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 13:10:

Our posts are crossing. I live in Medellin but spend a bit of time in Cartagena as well.

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David Pristupa says on Jan 10, 2008, 13:30:

The cost of living is high in most places.
The difference between the US /Canada
and Colombia is that you don't have to
surround yourself with a bunch of consumer junk, monster trucks, monster
houses etc. If you don't have that junk
you are looked down on. You NEED a car
which is an expense in most places. Living
A simple life is looked down in North America these days. You have to spend beyond your means to be socially accepted

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 13:36:

No one has to have any of that shit anywhere. I don't need to live in Colombia to be free. I'm a retired bum and don't give much of a fuck what anyone thinks. I do own a car in the US, a 10-year-old Ford.

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ellbee2 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:18:

I agree with David P. You are made to feel like a social leper should you opt for a old car, modest home etc. I'm going through that crap now with my son who is a 26 yaer old newlywed, new Father with a decent job and he is buying everything he can get fianaced for. i.e 2 new cars, house RENTAL $1,300 month, big screen hi-def TV, new furniture......breaks my heart to see him do it and forever be under the thumb of all that debt. But it is in fact the AMERICAN WAY

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 17:20:

People in the US do not use credit wisely and, for whatever reason, buy too much crap. I agree. However, no one can make anyone do or feel anything. I have had some very nice toys and still have a nice boat. But I have always lived very much within my means. Except for my first house and my first car, I have always paid cash.

I do get a chuckle out of some of my boating buddies when they talk about their boat payments. WTF? Nobody needs a boat. Pay cash or do without it.

Success isn't hard. Spend less than you make. Be happy with what you have. Ya.

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Chelesupercono says on Jan 10, 2008, 17:33:

I agree tomtom33 and that is why the big crash in the U.S. is coming sooner or later, we cannot keep printing money.....as far as boats,etc. I believe that if it floats, flys or fucks......lease it..

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 17:43:

I have never been much into leasing, except for the last f. I never have married.

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miamimike says on Jan 10, 2008, 20:52:

Here in Miami, I know several people in average 1400 sq ft houses(and 1000 st ft Condos) and between the Property Taxes and Homeowners insurance, they are paying out $800 monthly and they haven't even touched the Mortage,Car( car insurance), Utilities or Food Bill. People have their Spending Priorities Upside Down and soon with the Subprime Mortage Mess, it has to crash, its inevitable. Glad I also own an older second hand car and a Motor scooter, not to mention I walk a lot and bicycle to and from the Grocery. Anyhow, a Person's Car or Dress says nothing about how the Person is, their education ect.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 10, 2008, 22:12:

Exactly Miamimike. When I first moved to Homestead, my car insurance went from $400 every 6 months to $2500 every 6 months. (If I had kept the same deductibles and so on). I don't know if it still is, but Miami/Dade Co. used to be the highest risk county for insurance in the nation - whether talking about auto or home.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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scotty says on Jan 11, 2008, 02:51:

are the prices really getting high in Colombia, i have had friends who live there and travel there say things are getting higher and higher, is this true? or is it just that the dollar is getting weaker?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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scotty says on Jan 11, 2008, 02:52:

RJ hasnt Miami always been kinda high? same with San Francisco and New york??

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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miamimike says on Jan 11, 2008, 03:48:

RJ-I currently pay about $900 yearly for my VW New Beetle Diesel Car. That is a Rate for a driver with a 100% clean record to boot! Its one of the highest areas in the nation.That has to do with all the contrived Fake Car Accidents and Insurance thefts(make believe). I consider my Insurance Cheap as I know many paying well over $2000 Grand Yearly.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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Chelesupercono says on Jan 11, 2008, 04:47:

Colombia is fast becoming the most expensive country in South America, second to only Brazil.....the economy is overheating and the COP over valued.......Argentina remains the best value for your buck...

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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shabbster says on Jan 11, 2008, 04:53:

if you have a good job in Colombia, you're set. It all depends on income... with a bad income, like in any place in the world, everything will seem expensive. Well, for me at least everything is too expensive. Well shit, guess we're all fucked if we're not rich. Personally, if I could I would live there... all the time. And I will live there again, I miss it, and many of the services are much cheaper and the quality is better. Of course, some services aren't, but it's the same in the rest of the world.

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joetexan says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:52:

On the website of the CIA (World Fact Book), they have tons of info on every country in the world. One statistic they use is called PPU's - purchasing power units. It is an attempt to put things in perspective as to life-style rather than income in dollars. A doc might earn 1/10th as many dollars in Colombia, but have a much better life-style than a similar doc in the U.S.

Me, I'm lucky. I work in the U.S. for two weeks, live in Colombia for three, work in U.S. two, etc. That's the ticket. Earn an American income and live in Colombia.

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Lowell says on Jan 13, 2008, 07:37:

Why are thing going up so fast in Colombia?. Just about everything. Including utilities.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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rhydewithdis says on Jan 13, 2008, 07:58:

Probably has to do with the fact that worldwide prices of commodities have increased. These include oil, gas, metals, wheat, meat, etc.

They said I couldn't play football I was too small / They say I couldn't play basketball I wasn't tall / They say I couldn't play baseball at all / And now everyday of my life I ball.

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poco says on Mar 16, 2008, 21:48:

Quote: Why are thing going up so fast in Colombia?. Just about everything. Including utilities.

I think you know this, you've been there long enough. Colombians EXPECT everything to go up after the first of the year.

If the minimum wage goes up 5% then many things (insurance for sure) goes up the exact same amount. It appears to me that many businesses get a jump on inflation.

Today I asked if prices were still going up and the answer was no. Beef prices had decreased.

My experience is there should not be Large price increases for the rest of the year.

The comment about raising the minimum wage sounds good,, good like a political slogan but in fact it hurts the working man. He gets 5% more and prices for basics go up 10%. One way to look at it is,, gosh, my costs went up 5% so the price goes up 5.1%

The police, military, DAS all pay a lot more than minimum plus benefits, retirement and security. Those are GOOD paying jobs.

Small employeers won't hire at minimum wage and use contract employees. Money does not grow on trees.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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aztec says on Mar 17, 2008, 07:20:

What is happening is a massive deleveraging of the markets.

The world financial system is being buffeted by the massive de-leveraging of the hedge funds. These funds have a world wide impact and we are close to a world melt down of the financial system.

Unfortunately, the US is not isolated in this disaster. We either deal with the problem together or we will surely hang together.

Incidentally Markanthony, the current difficulty has been in the making over the last four presidents.

It has just exploded on this Bush's watch. True, he better get actively involved or he will be remembered as the twenty century version of President Hoover! In fairness to him he does seem to be aware of the seriousness of the situation.

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