Q24N — Colombia was recognized as the second-best country to live in as a foreigner in the 2025 Expat Insider global survey, published by InterNations, the world’s largest expat community. Colombia climbed the rankings compared to last year, surpassing nations like Mexico and Spain.
The study surveyed more than 10,000 people from 172 nationalities. Factors such as quality of life, finances, housing, and social integration were evaluated, solidifying Colombia’s position among the most attractive destinations for expats.
Economic factors driving expats to Colombia
One of the main reasons Colombia ranks as the second-best country to live in as a foreigner is the positive perception of its cost of living.
81% of expats in Colombia expressed satisfaction with their personal finances, compared to 54% globally. The country ranks third worldwide in cost of living and second in affordable housing.
Furthermore, 92% stated that their family income is sufficient to live comfortably. This data reinforces Colombia’s image as a solid destination for those seeking economic stability.
Quality of Life in Colombia for Foreigners
The survey highlights the active social life and friendliness of Colombians, factors that make the country a cultural magnet. These characteristics place Colombia third in the Adaptation Index.
Many expats chose to move for quality of life, job opportunities, or personal reasons. This diversity shows that the experience in Colombia goes beyond economics and reinforces its position as the second-best country to live in as a foreigner.
Challenges Foreigners Face in Colombia
Not everything is positive in the expat experience. The language barrier remains a challenge.
Colombia ranks 39th in ease of living without speaking Spanish. Concerns related to safety and bureaucratic procedures also persist. However, the abundance of leisure activities and the quality of the healthcare system elevate the country to ninth place in the Essentials Index. These contrasts explain why, despite the challenges, Colombia maintains its global appeal.
Latin America Leads the World with Colombia
The Latin American region shone in the Expat Insider 2025 ranking. Panama solidified its position as the best country to live in as a foreigner, followed by Colombia in second place and Mexico in third.
This confirms that Latin America has become a benchmark for expats seeking a balance between cost of living and cultural experiences. In contrast, the United States fell to 36th place. High housing costs, an inaccessible healthcare system, and concerns about civil liberties pushed the country out of the top spots.