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Cost of Living in Santa Marta

Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia · Population 505,915

▲ +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 Santa Marta

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 Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta

Santa Marta vs BogotáSanta Marta vs CaliSanta Marta vs MedellínSanta Marta vs BarranquillaSanta Marta vs CartagenaSanta Marta vs Bucaramanga

Nearby Cities

Gaira

6 km away · Magdalena

Ciénaga

26 km away · Magdalena

Puebloviejo

28 km away · Magdalena

El Retén

70 km away · Magdalena

Barranquilla

71 km away · Atlántico

Aracataca

72 km away · Magdalena

Soledad

73 km away · Atlántico

Malambo

75 km away · Atlántico

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

Cartagena

Bolívar · pop. 914,552

$1,663,461 ($396) / 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

Living in Santa Marta

Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,663,461 ($396) per month in Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta?
A net salary of around $2,162,499 ($515) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Marta with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Marta is $2,226,000 ($530).
How much is rent in Santa Marta?
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 Santa Marta cheaper than Colombia on average?
No — Santa Marta is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Colombia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Marta?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $393,557 ($94) in Santa Marta. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $17,363 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $5,209 ($1).
How do transport costs in Santa Marta compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Marta is estimated at $63,664 ($15). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Marta are estimates based on Colombia national averages adjusted for city size (population 505,915). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.