From the coffee mountains to the daily cups, Coffee accompanies Colombians and holds a key economic tradition. Beyond its international prestige, measuring the necessary effort to buy a cup becomes a useful thermometer of entry and purchasing power in the country. How many minutes should a Colombian work with a minimum wage to access this infusion?
Calculating how much work time is required to pay a cup of coffee in Colombia is not a simple numerical exercise, but a way of measuring the real purchasing power of workers, taking into account that this equivalence allows to dimension, in practical terms, the relationship between income and the cost of daily life based on the most representative national product.
To this end, In the first place it is necessary to determine the current legal minimum wage that governs in the country in 2025, which is 1,423,500 pesos per month for the full daywith a daily value that is around 47,450 pesos.
In turn, according to a market study prepared by Valora Analitik, a cup of “red” in average coffee shops costs around $ 5,370, while a small coffee in the Juan Valdez chain is currently quoted at $ 4,500.
Therefore, taking into account that a cup of 5,370 pesos coffee represents 11.3% of a daily day of 8 hours (480 minutes), Its cost is equivalent to 54 minutes of work. In case of choosing a small $ 4,500 coffee, with the same reasoning its cost would require about 46 minutes of work.
(Read more: Many live on a treasure of Esmeraldas in this area of Colombia … and do not know)
Coffee
Source: Canva
Why is coffee so important in Colombia?
Coffee is the most consumed infusion in Colombia, according to Colombia Travelbecause it represents much more than a drink: it is a symbol of cultural identity and a constant companion in everyday life. Taking a “red” is not just starting the day, but a ritual that remains in family meetingspauses at work and meetings between friends, marking moments of connection and coexistence.
Colombia, recognized as one of the main world producers worldwide, offers high quality grains that guarantee a fresh and aromatic coffee. Its balanced flavor and soft texture make it ideal for any time, while its stimulating effect contributes to maintaining the necessary energy and concentration to face daily activities.
Beyond its sensory and energy properties, it has become a vehicle of social interaction, joining people and strengthening family, labor and community ties. Its constant presence in the life of Colombians reflects the importance of this drink in the culture, economy and traditions of the country.
(Read more: Latin pride: the Colombian product conquering the European market)
The 3 cities where coffee is exquisite
From the mountainous landscapes of the coffee axis to the modern urban coffee shops, each cup tells a story of dedication and passion for grain.
Among the cities where you can enjoy the best coffee stand out:
1. Manizales – Located in the heart of the coffee axis, it offers traditional coffee shops and farms where you can try freshly roasted coffee and know the entire culture and preparation process.
2. Medellín – With a growing urban coffee culture, it has specialty coffee shops that combine modern methods with premium local grains, ideal for coffee lovers.
3. Bogotá – The capital concentrates a wide variety of coffees of Colombian origin, including artisanal toaster and specialty coffee shops that allow to taste coffees from different regions of the country.
