Evidence-Based Overview · Updated 2026

Colombia's Economic Indicators in Context

Tourism, real estate, infrastructure, and cost-of-living data for people researching a relocation.

We've compiled the key data points from DANE, Banco de la República, the World Bank, and expat community research. Draw your own conclusions.

6.2M

tourists in 2024

12.69%

housing growth 2024

2–3%

GDP growth projection, 2025

$1,062

avg price/sqm, Medellín

⚠ Important Disclaimer

The economic data, property figures, and market comparisons on this page are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute investment, financial, or relocation advice. Historical performance does not guarantee future results. Statistics are cited from third-party sources — verify directly with official sources before making any decisions. Real estate and relocation decisions involve risk.

The Numbers Worth Understanding

Colombia's housing market grew 12.69% nominally in 2024 — the highest rate since 2008. Medellín specifically recorded 10.42% appreciation. Medium-term analyst projections vary widely (50–70% total nominal over 5 years including rental income), but carry significant uncertainty.

Tourism reached 6.2 million visitors in 2024 (11% growth year-on-year), surpassing 10.2 million international movements in 2025. Historically, sustained tourism growth has preceded increased long-term expat residency in other markets. Colombia is now South America's fastest-growing destination by arrivals.

GDP growth accelerated from 0.3% in 2023 to 2% in 2024, with Banco de la República projecting 2.5–3% in 2025. The Bogotá Metro Line 1 is 62% complete, targeting a 2028 opening — a significant infrastructure milestone for Latin America's third-largest city.

Colombia vs. Established Expat Destinations

Destination	$/sqm avg	Rental yield	Annual appreciation	Monthly expat budget	Expat saturation
Colombia (2026)	$1,062	6–9%	12.69% (2024)	$1,200–1,800	Early stage
Portugal (2026)	$3,800	4–5%	~8%	$2,800–3,800	Saturated
Thailand — Chiang Mai (2026)	$1,200	5–7%	4–5%	$1,000–1,500	Developed
Mexico City (2026)	$2,200	5–7%	7–8%	$1,800–2,500	Growing fast
Portugal (2012, for reference)	$1,100	6–8%	Flat	$1,500–2,000	Early stage

Figures are estimates compiled from Idealista, Properati, Numbeo, and expat community research. Treat as directional, not precise. Verify current data before making decisions.

The Numbers in Context

Key indicators tracked by DANE, Banco de la República, and the World Bank — updated quarterly.

6.2M

Tourists, 2024

11% YoY growth. Foreign arrivals exceeded 10.2M movements in 2025, making Colombia South America's fastest-growing destination. Tourism revenues surpassed coffee and coal exports at $21.6B USD.

12.69%

Housing appreciation, 2024

Colombia's highest nominal growth since 2008. Inflation-adjusted real gain: 6.92%. El Poblado (Medellín) averages $1,529/sqm. Comparable Lisbon neighborhoods: $3,800+/sqm.

+22%

FDI growth, Q2 2025 YoY

$14.23B total FDI in 2024. Q2 2025 reached $3.44B — a 22% year-on-year increase. Real estate and hospitality are among the fastest-growing target sectors for foreign capital.

62%

Bogotá Metro Line 1 complete

Targeting March 2028 opening. Line 2 ($9.3B investment) in prequalification. Medellín also expanding its cable car metro network. 4G/5G infrastructure upgrades ongoing nationally.

WHO #22

Global healthcare ranking

Ahead of the US (#37) and Canada (#30) per WHO World Health Report. JCI-accredited hospitals in Bogotá and Medellín. Specialist visits: $25–60 USD. Prepagada insurance: $60–200/month.

10,000+

Est. Americans in Medellín

For context: ~50,000+ in Lisbon, ~100,000+ in Thailand, ~400,000+ in Mexico City. Colombia's expat community is established enough for English services and support networks.

6–9%

Net rental yield range

Reported across Medellín, Cartagena, and Bogotá for furnished short-term rentals. Cartagena Airbnb: 47–57% occupancy at $120–300/night. Yields vary significantly by property, location, and management quality.