Cost of Living in Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena has a cost of living index of 29/100 (New York = 100). It is 71% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

29/100
Cost Index
$1,073/mo
Median Income
48/100
Safety Index
tropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 35/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$600/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$450/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$800/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 40/100
Milk (1 liter)$1/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$0.75/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 38/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$3.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$30/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5/meal
TransportationScore: 30/100
Monthly Transit Pass$25/month
One-Way Ticket$0.8/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.7/km
UtilitiesScore: 35/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$100/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$30/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$25/month
HealthcareScore: 50/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$50/visit
Dentist Visit$60/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$10/course
EntertainmentScore: 40/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$6/ticket
Theater Ticket$20/ticket
Museum Entry$7.5/ticket
FitnessScore: 38/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$25/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$12/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 35/100
Haircut (Men)$10/cut
Haircut (Women)$20/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3/bottle
ClothingScore: 40/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$40/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$25/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$60/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

45 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Getsemani, San Diego, Bocagrande

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena cheap to live in?

Cartagena has a cost of living index of 29/100, where New York = 100. It is 71% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $580–$812 per month.

How much does rent cost in Cartagena?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Cartagena costs approximately $600/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $450/month.

Is Cartagena good for digital nomads?

Cartagena has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 45 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Cartagena?

The median net monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $1,073 USD. The income tax rate is around 20%.

How does Cartagena compare to New York for cost of living?

Cartagena (cost index 29) is 71% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,775/month by moving from New York to Cartagena.

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