Housing
How much are utilities by estrato?
Estimate your electricity and water bill for estratos 1 to 6. Estratos 1–3 get a subsidy only on the basic block, estrato 4 pays the full rate, and 5–6 pay a solidarity contribution. Compare before you rent.
Utilities by estrato
Estrato of the property
Estimated consumption charge / month
COP 186,075
- Electricity
- COP 123,975
- · Subsidy (basic block 130 kWh)
- COP -18,525
- Water + sewer
- COP 62,100
- · Subsidy (basic 11 m³)
- COP -9,900
COP 28,425 less than estrato 4 each month.
Consumption only, using the maximum legal subsidy. Fixed charges, street lighting, aseo and gas are not included.
Subsidy and contribution by estrato (2026)
| Estrato | Electricity | Water + sewer | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | −60% | −70%† | Basic block only |
| 2 | −50% | −40%† | Basic block only |
| 3 | −15% | −15%† | Basic block only |
| 4 | — | — | Full rate |
| 5 | +20% | +50%* | All consumption |
| 6 | +20% | +60%* | All consumption |
Basic block: electricity 130 kWh at 1,000 m or higher, 173 kWh below; water 11 m³ above 2,000 m, 13 m³ between 1,000 and 2,000 m, 16 m³ below 1,000 m. † Legal maximum; each municipality sets its own % within it. * Set by the municipality; 50% and 60% are the common values. Sources: Ley 142 de 1994, Ley 1450 de 2011 art. 125, CRA Res. 750 de 2016, UPME Res. 355 de 2004.
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Questions
Which estrato pays the real cost of utilities?
Estrato 4 pays 100% of the unit cost, with no subsidy and no contribution. Estratos 1, 2 and 3 get a subsidy on the basic block, and estratos 5 and 6 pay a solidarity contribution on top.
Does the subsidy apply to everything I use?
No. It only covers the subsistence block: 130 kWh of electricity a month at 1,000 m or higher (173 kWh in hot areas below 1,000 m), and 11, 13 or 16 m³ of water depending on altitude. Everything above it is billed at the full price.
How much more do estratos 5 and 6 pay?
On electricity, a 20% contribution on all consumption. On water and sewerage, the municipality sets it; 50% for estrato 5 and 60% for estrato 6 are common.
Why doesn't the result match my bill exactly?
The calculator estimates the consumption charge only. Bills also add fixed charges, street lighting, waste collection (aseo) and, if you have it, gas, and each municipality sets its exact water subsidy within the legal cap.
Can I change my home's estrato?
The estrato belongs to the property, not to your income. If you think it's wrong, you can ask your municipality's planning office (or stratification committee) to review it.
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