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Cost of Living in Cartagena

Cartagena, Valparaíso, Chile · Population 22,738

▼ -16% vs Chile average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$471,468 ($496)
Couple, monthly$842,046 ($886)
Family of four, monthly$1,094,053 ($1,152)

Estimated Prices in Cartagena

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4,874 ($5.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$19,494 ($20.52)per meal
Cappuccino$1,462 ($1.54)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$110,466 ($116)per month
Monthly public transport pass$17,870 ($18.81)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$47,111 ($49.59)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$13,646 ($14.36)per month
Fitness club membership$13,646 ($14.36)per month
Cinema ticket$3,574 ($3.76)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$210,692 ($222)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$146,568 ($154)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$439,704 ($463)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cartagena is $769,500 ($810) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $471,468 ($496) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $612,909 ($645) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($146,568 ($154)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cartagena

Cartagena vs SantiagoCartagena vs ValparaísoCartagena vs ConcepciónCartagena vs Puente AltoCartagena vs MaipúCartagena vs La Serena

Nearby Cities

San Antonio

4 km away · Valparaíso

Rocas de Santo Domingo

10 km away · Valparaíso

El Tabo

13 km away · Valparaíso

El Quisco

19 km away · Valparaíso

Algarrobo

21 km away · Valparaíso

Casablanca

31 km away · Región Metropolitana

Melipilla

39 km away · Región Metropolitana

San Pedro

41 km away · Región Metropolitana

Other Major Cities in Chile

Santiago

Región Metropolitana · pop. 7,171,000

$701,395 ($738) / mo

Valparaíso

Valparaíso · pop. 952,000

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Concepción

Biobío · pop. 719,944

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Puente Alto

Región Metropolitana · pop. 573,935

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Maipú

Región Metropolitana · pop. 521,627

$562,493 ($592) / mo

La Serena

Coquimbo · pop. 401,938

$562,493 ($592) / mo

La Florida

Región Metropolitana · pop. 366,916

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Antofagasta

Antofagasta · pop. 348,517

$562,493 ($592) / mo

Living in Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the key cities in Chile. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $471,468 ($496), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $146,568 ($154) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,094,053 ($1,152) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $842,046 ($886) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cartagena is $769,500 ($810). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $612,909 ($645) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $471,468 ($496) per month in Cartagena including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Chile.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cartagena?
A net salary of around $612,909 ($645) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cartagena with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cartagena is $769,500 ($810).
How much is rent in Cartagena?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $210,692 ($222) per month in the city centre and $146,568 ($154) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $439,704 ($463).
Is Cartagena cheaper than Chile on average?
Yes — Cartagena is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Chile average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Cartagena?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $110,466 ($116) in Cartagena. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $4,874 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around $1,462 ($2).
How do transport costs in Cartagena compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cartagena is estimated at $17,870 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cartagena are estimates based on Chile national averages adjusted for city size (population 22,738). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.