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Cost of Living in Cartagena

Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia · Population 914,552

▲ +0% vs Colombia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,663,461 ($396)
Couple, monthly$2,966,059 ($706)
Family of four, monthly$3,849,067 ($916)

Estimated Prices in Cartagena

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$17,363 ($4.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$69,451 ($16.54)per meal
Cappuccino$5,209 ($1.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$393,557 ($93.70)per month
Monthly public transport pass$63,664 ($15.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$167,840 ($39.96)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$48,616 ($11.58)per month
Fitness club membership$48,616 ($11.58)per month
Cinema ticket$12,733 ($3.03)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$727,290 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$505,941 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,517,822 ($361)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cartagena is $2,226,000 ($530) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,663,461 ($396) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,162,499 ($515) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($505,941 ($120)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cartagena

Cartagena vs BogotáCartagena vs CaliCartagena vs MedellínCartagena vs BarranquillaCartagena vs BucaramangaCartagena vs Cúcuta

Nearby Cities

Turbaco

13 km away · Bolívar

Turbaná

16 km away · Bolívar

Santa Rosa

17 km away · Bolívar

Arjona

25 km away · Bolívar

Villanueva

27 km away · Bolívar

Clemencia

28 km away · Bolívar

Santa Catalina

34 km away · Bolívar

San Estanislao

40 km away · Bolívar

Other Major Cities in Colombia

Bogotá

Bogotá · pop. 10,085,000

$2,072,575 ($493) / mo

Cali

Valle del Cauca · pop. 2,916,790

$1,798,993 ($428) / mo

Medellín

Antioquia · pop. 2,529,403

$1,798,993 ($428) / mo

Barranquilla

Atlántico · pop. 1,326,588

$1,798,993 ($428) / mo

Bucaramanga

Santander · pop. 893,040

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Cúcuta

Norte de Santander · pop. 806,378

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Villavicencio

Meta · pop. 664,148

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Pereira

Risaralda · pop. 590,554

$1,663,461 ($396) / mo

Living in Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the key cities in Colombia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,663,461 ($396), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $505,941 ($120) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,849,067 ($916) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,966,059 ($706) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cartagena is $2,226,000 ($530). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,162,499 ($515) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,663,461 ($396) per month in Cartagena including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Colombia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cartagena?
A net salary of around $2,162,499 ($515) 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 $2,226,000 ($530).
How much is rent in Cartagena?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $727,290 ($173) per month in the city centre and $505,941 ($120) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,517,822 ($361).
Is Cartagena cheaper than Colombia on average?
No — Cartagena is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Colombia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Cartagena?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $393,557 ($94) in Cartagena. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $17,363 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $5,209 ($1).
How do transport costs in Cartagena compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cartagena is estimated at $63,664 ($15). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cartagena are estimates based on Colombia national averages adjusted for city size (population 914,552). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.