Cost of Living
#11
of 124 cities
24/100
Current value (lower is better)
#75 of 124
South America
Bogota
Colombia
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Bogota compare to San Francisco?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Bogota is 51% worse off vs in San Francisco
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Bogota compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$22,747
-$150K (-87%) vs San Francisco
Tax Rate: 31%
Community Insights
NewBogota is a polarizing metropolis that functions as a high-reward, high-friction base for software engineers. While it lacks the "tropical paradise" appeal of Medellin, it compensates with a world-class urban lifestyle, superior internet infrastructure, and a cost of living that is exceptionally low for the quality of life offered in premium districts. Financially, it is a powerhouse for remote earners, with purchasing power ranking reasonably well despite lower local salaries.
However, the trade-offs are significant. The safety situation requires constant street smarts, and the traffic is among the worst in the world, capable of draining hours from your day if you aren't strategic about your location. The weather—perpetually cool and often grey—is a dealbreaker for many, but a relief for those who prefer sweater weather over sweat.
Resident Sentiment
Respectful but Guarded: Long-term expat residents often develop a deep appreciation for the city's sophistication and grit, frequently preferring it to the "gringo trail" vibe of Medellin. They describe it as a city that "makes you work for it" but rewards you with rich cultural depth.
Frustration with Logistics: Sentiment is universally negative regarding transportation; even those who love the city complain bitterly about the inability to move around during rush hour. Many transplants advise living in a "bubble" (e.g., Zona T, Parque 93) where you can walk to everything, effectively opting out of the city's chaotic transit system.
Rankings
Top 9%
Comfortable Weather
#27
of 124 cities
70/100 weather score
Current value
Home Affordability
#43
of 124 cities
≈6 yrs to buy 80m²
Current value
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Bogota compared to San Francisco?
Salary Converter
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Bogota to maintain the same standard of living.
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