Cost of Living Rises: Family Basket Increased 7.1% in the First Month of 2026, These Are the Most Expensive Cities
According to the study, Bogotá is the most expensive city to live in. Photo: Mauricio de la Rosa El Tiempo
TL;DR
- The family basket in Colombia experienced a 7.1% annual price increase in January 2026.
- Rising costs of processed foods, proteins, and popular agricultural items are the main drivers of this increase.
- Bogotá was the most expensive city with a basket cost of $153,982 in January 2026.
- Bucaramanga and Medellín recorded the highest annual increases at 9.2%.
- Villavicencio had the lowest annual increase at 3.2%, making it one of the most affordable cities.
- Products like coffee (+33%), tomato (+27%), and green plantain (+19%) saw significant monthly price increases.
- Chicken breast (-10%) and rice (-7%) experienced price reductions.