How much does childcare cost in Colombia in 2026?

Private daycares and bilingual preschools in El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado, Chapinero, and Usaquén commonly quote full-day monthly fees in a planning band that many mover guides place from a few hundred US dollars upward per child, with premium English-forward Montessori or bilingual campuses climbing into higher peso millions monthly. Basic neighbourhood jardines sit lower when you can manage Spanish WhatsApp groups and local enrolment. Cartagena tourism belts can price early-years care like other coastal services: Cartagena cost of living.

Full-time live-out nannies (nanas) are a common alternative in Bogotá and Medellín, with monthly peso salaries often planned in a low-to-mid millions-of-COP band plus transport or meals depending on the arrangement. Part-time hourly help exists for after-school gaps. Treat social-security expectations, rest days, and agency fees as part of the true quote. Rebuild the family sheet inside Monthly budget.

ICBF and municipal early-childhood programmes can be free or heavily subsidised for eligible residents, yet they are rarely a same-week soft landing for newcomers without Spanish and local documentation. Confirm age cutoffs, barrio availability, and whether your visa status supports enrolment before you subtract daycare from the budget.

Paediatric visits, vaccines, and EPS or prepagada dependent cover sit beside childcare, not inside it: Healthcare costs. Once children hit primary years, international or bilingual school fees usually dwarf jardín math: International school costs. Food and diapers still rise with a baby in the house: Groceries and eating out. Living near the campus or nanny’s commute corridor matters as much as the sticker price: Living in Medellín and Living in Bogotá.