Cost of Living in Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia · South America
$950
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
66
Quality of Life
Good
44
Safety Index
Below Average
1.1M
Population
COP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.4 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.8 |
| Cappuccino | $1.9 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.9 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.75 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.9 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.65 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.9 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.8 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.75 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.42 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.45 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.65 |
| Monthly Pass | $26 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.38 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.77 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $26500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $52 |
| Mobile Plan | $11 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $20 |
| Fitness Club/month | $26 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $520/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $320/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $660 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 13% |
View Cost of Living in Colombia
Cost of Living in Cartagena — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia is approximately $950 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Cartagena has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Cartagena costs around $320/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $520/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Cartagena scores 66/100 on the quality of life index and 44/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 64/100. The climate index is 82/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Cartagena is approximately $660/month. With a purchasing power index of 46/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is COP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Cartagena
The average monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $660. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $950, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 46/100.
Healthcare Costs in Cartagena
Healthcare quality in Cartagena is rated 64/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Cartagena
Cartagena has a quality of life score of 66/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Cartagena
Students living in Cartagena should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Cartagena
Expats moving to Cartagena often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia is approximately $950 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Cartagena
Living in Cartagena offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 66/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $660 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Cartagena provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Colombia and around the world.
Key Facts About Cartagena
- Average Monthly Cost: $950
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 28
- Average Salary: $660
- Quality of Life: 66/100
- Safety Score: 44/100
- Country: Colombia
- Currency: COP
Is Cartagena Expensive?
Cartagena has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Cartagena compare to other cities?
Cartagena is located in South America with a population of approximately 1.1M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Cartagena stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cartagena?
The average cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia is approximately $950 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Cartagena?
Rent in Cartagena varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 28 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Cartagena alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Cartagena expensive to live in?
Cartagena has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Cartagena is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $950.
What is the quality of life in Cartagena?
Cartagena has a quality of life index of 66/100 and a safety index of 44/100. The city is located in South America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Cartagena compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Cartagena with any city worldwide. Cartagena's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Cartagena?
Many residents live comfortably in Cartagena with a monthly budget of around $950 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Cartagena good for expats?
Cartagena is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Cartagena?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $950 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Cartagena.
Is Cartagena cheaper than New York?
Yes, Cartagena has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Cartagena?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Cartagena.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Cartagena
Cheapest Ways to Live in Cartagena
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Cartagena typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $320/month compared to $520/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Cartagena, Colombia.
Is Cartagena Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 46/100 and a quality of life score of 66/100, Cartagena is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Cartagena remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Colombia has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Cartagena Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Cartagena", "Cartagena monthly expenses 2026", and "is Cartagena affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $950, a safety score of 44/100, and healthcare rated 64/100, Cartagena offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Colombia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026