Barranquilla, Colombia, is a vibrant and bustling port city located in Northern South America. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, lively music and dance scene, and friendly locals. With its warm and sunny climate, it is often referred to as the “city of eternal spring,” making it an ideal place to live for those who love the outdoors.
For those looking to retire or work remotely as a digital nomad, Barranquilla offers a low cost of living and a thriving expat community. The city is also well-connected to major cities in Europe and the United States, with direct flights available from Miami, New York, and Madrid. With a population of over two million people, Barranquilla is a hub for manufacturing and commerce, providing ample job opportunities for those seeking to live and work in Colombia. Plus, Colombia just recently approved a new “digital nomad”
Cost of Living
Barranquilla, Colombia is an affordable city to live and work in. The cost of living is lower than in many other cities in Colombia and the United States. According to Numbeo, a family of four can expect to spend around 5,919,865.1 Col$ ($1,298 US)per month without rent, while a single person can expect to spend around 1,773,092.3 Col$ ($388 US) per month without rent. This is significantly less expensive than living in New York City.
In general, the cost of living in Barranquilla is 60% to 70% less than in the coastal U.S. cities of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. The savings is the same for the northern cities of Boston and Chicago. According to Expatistan, a family of four can expect to spend around COL$ 8,688,077 ($1905 USD) per month, while a single person can expect to spend around COL$ 3,719,745 ($815 USD) per month. These estimates are based on only a few data points, so they should be treated as a best guess.
One of the reasons for the low cost of living in Barranquilla is the availability of affordable housing. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around COL$1,021,000 ($223 USD) per month, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around COL$750,000 ($164 US) per month. Food and transportation costs are also relatively low, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around COL$13,000 ($2.85 USD) and a one-way ticket on local transportation costing around COL$2,200.
Overall, the low cost of living in Barranquilla makes it an attractive option for those looking to live and work in Colombia. With affordable housing, food, and transportation, residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Transportation
Barranquilla has a well-developed transportation system that makes it easy for residents to move around the city. The city has a mix of public and private transportation options that cater to different needs and budgets.
Public Transportation
The most popular form of public transportation in Barranquilla is the bus system. The city has an extensive network of buses that operate on fixed routes and are color-coded for easy identification. The buses are affordable, with fares starting at COP 2,000 (less than $1 USD) per ride. The city also has a rapid transit system called Transmetro, which operates on dedicated bus lanes and has its own stations. Transmetro is a fast and efficient way to move around the city, with fares starting at COP 2,500 (about $1 USD) per ride.
Taxis
Taxis are another popular form of transportation in Barranquilla. They are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify. Taxis in Barranquilla are metered, and fares are affordable, with the average ride costing around COP 12,000 (about $5 USD).
Driving
Driving in Barranquilla can be challenging, especially during rush hour. The city has a high number of cars on the road, which can lead to congestion and traffic jams. However, if you choose to drive, there are several car rental companies in the city, and gas prices are affordable, with a liter of gas costing around COP 9,000 (about $3 USD).
Overall, Barranquilla has a reliable and affordable transportation system that makes it easy for residents to move around the city. Whether you choose to take the bus, taxi, bike, or drive, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and budget.
Safety
Barranquilla is a generally safe city to live and work in, but like any other city in the world, it is important to take precautions to ensure personal safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Neighborhoods: It is recommended to live in the northern part of the city, which is considered to be safer than the southern part. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Barranquilla include Altos de Riomar, Villa Country, and El Golf. As you travel around the local community will help with highlighting safe areas for sure!
Street Crime: Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas, so it is recommended to keep valuables such as phones and wallets secure and out of sight. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Nightlife: Barranquilla has a vibrant nightlife scene, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Overall, Barranquilla is a safe city to live and work in, as long as you take the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. Just remember the norms that you would live by as if you were traveling in any part of the world.
Cuisine
Barranquilla is a food lover’s paradise. The city offers a diverse range of cuisine that reflects its cultural diversity. Whether you are looking for traditional Colombian dishes or international cuisine, you will find it all in Barranquilla.
Restaurants
Barranquilla has a vibrant restaurant scene. There are plenty of options for eating out, from budget-friendly street food to high-end restaurants. Plus, did we say “budget-friendly” already?! You are going to be shocked at how cheap it is to eat at a restaurant. Some of the popular restaurants in
Barranquilla include:
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Narco Bollo: A very popular restaurant that serves traditional Colombian “fritos.”
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El Gran Chef: A seafood restaurant that offers fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
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La Cueva: A cozy restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.
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La Brasa Roja: A chain of restaurants that serves roasted chicken and other grilled dishes.
Cuisine
Colombian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Some of the popular Colombian dishes that you must try in Barranquilla include:
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Fish: We can’t put one specific type because there are several that are REALLY good!
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Arroz de Coco: A rice dish that consists of rice cooked in coconut until golden brown.
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Empanadas: Fried or baked pastries that are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
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Ceviche: A seafood dish that is made with raw fish, lime juice, onions, and herbs.
Eating Out
Eating out in Barranquilla is affordable and convenient. You can find street food stands all around the city that offer delicious and budget-friendly food. If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants that offer a fine dining experience. The cost of eating out in Barranquilla is relatively low compared to other cities in Colombia. You can get a healthy lunch menu on the coast containing fish, rice, plantain, and a little salad with avocado for less than USD 3.
In conclusion, Barranquilla is a food lover’s paradise. The city offers a diverse range of cuisine that reflects its cultural diversity. Whether you are looking for traditional Colombian dishes or international cuisine, you will find it all in Barranquilla.
Healthcare
Barranquilla has a wide range of healthcare options available for its residents. Colombia’s healthcare system is known for offering high-quality services at affordable prices. The city has both public and private hospitals and clinics that can handle anything from regular checkups and diagnostics to high-tech procedures and medical specialties.
Public Healthcare Plan
Colombia has a public healthcare plan called EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud) that provides coverage for all residents. The plan is funded by the government and employers through payroll contributions. The coverage includes basic medical services, emergency care, and hospitalization. However, the waiting times for appointments and procedures can be long, and the quality of care may not be as high as in private hospitals.
Private Hospitals
Barranquilla has several top private hospitals that offer high-quality healthcare services, including:
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Clínica Portoazul
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Clínica IberoAmerica
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Clínica del Caribe
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Clínica Reina Catalina
These hospitals have modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, and their staff is highly trained and experienced. They offer a wide range of medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics.