Renting a house in Colombia has become easier for expats in recent years, thanks to the rise of online platforms and real estate services catering to foreigners. With more English-speaking agents available and a wider variety of rental options—ranging from city apartments to beach homes—expats can transition smoothly into Colombian life while enjoying the country’s rich culture.

While the cost of rent varies between locations and types of property, the process of renting a house in Colombia is the same across all regions. To help you successfully secure your ideal rental, we’ve assembled this succinct guide on Colombian customs and rental requirements within the property market. 

What are the requirements for renting a house in Colombia?

A few requirements exist for renting a Colombian property on Airbnb for a short-term (0-3 months) stay: An Airbnb account and a working phone number are sufficient.

On the other hand, long-term property rentals through Colombian letting agencies or directly with owners typically have stricter needs.

How much does it cost to rent a house in Colombia?

This depends on property type, location, and length of contract:

  1. A studio apartment can cost between $400 – $600 per month ($1.500.000 – $2.800.000COP). Small cities and pueblos like Manizales and Jericó are significantly cheaper than big cities like Medellín, though finding pre-furnished studios in these places is more challenging.
  2. A modern apartment with 2-3 bedrooms will set you back somewhere from $600 – $1,400 a month ($1.800.000 – $5.000.000COP). Like studio apartments, larger apartments are significantly cheaper if you furnish them. Modern apartments are more common in Colombia’s biggest cities and cost more if in a higher estrato.

If you want to experience living in Colombia’s glorious countryside, a finca (a villa-styled farmhouse) may interest you. If you’re willing to push the boat out financially speaking, you can find some incredible Colombian properties with breathtaking views. The cost of renting a finca for a month ranges from $1,000 – $10,000+ ($3.800.000 – $38.000.000COP+).

What are the best apps for renting a house in Colombia?

Airbnb remains the most common app for renting a house in Colombia. Compartoapto is a popular option if you need to rent a single room in a house or apartment, while letting agencies like Finca Raiz have apps with unfurnished and furnished Colombian properties.

3 tips for renting Colombian property

Renting a house in Colombia is the ideal choice for expats looking to live in Colombia for at least one year and those who want to try different property types before buying one. To ensure you get the right rental property at the right price, consult a bilingual property service company first.