Cartagena
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% |
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.
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.