Bogotá
Cartagena

Bogotá vs Cartagena — Cost of Living Comparison

Bogotá
Colombia
VS
Cartagena
Colombia
Estimated average living costs are ~46% lower in Cartagena

Bogotá

$1,250

avg. monthly cost

Population

7,900,000

Safety

38/100

Quality

44/100

Cost
30
Safety
38
Life
44

Cartagena

$680

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,000,000

Safety

45/100

Quality

50/100

Cost
27
Safety
45
Life
50

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~46% lower in Cartagena

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bogotá

$1,250

estimated per month

Cartagena

$680

estimated per month

Difference

-45.6%

Monthly savings

$570

Yearly savings

$6,840

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$40,800

-$34,200/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$420.00
-6.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$300.00$260.00
-13.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$780.00
-13.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00$480.00
-12.7%
ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.00$3.50
-12.5%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00$22.00
0.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$5.50
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$1.00
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.10$1.00
-9.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.85$0.90
+5.9%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.60$1.60
0.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.80
0.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$2.20
0.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.65$0.65
0.0%
ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$28.00$22.00
-21.4%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.65$0.55
-15.4%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.85$0.80
-5.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$0.50
+11.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.80$0.70
-12.5%
ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$60.00
-7.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00$12.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$18.00$22.00
+22.2%
ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$18.00$18.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$22.00$15.00
-31.8%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$7.00$6.00
-14.3%
ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00$28.00
+12.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.20$1.80
-18.2%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.00$2.00
0.0%
ItemBogotáCartagenaDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$42.00$35.00
-16.7%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$20.00
-28.6%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00$55.00
-15.4%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Bogotá vs Cartagena

Is Bogotá or Cartagena more expensive?
Bogotá is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 30 compared with 27 for Cartagena.
How much cheaper is Cartagena than Bogotá?
Living in Cartagena is around 10% cheaper than Bogotá, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bogotá and Cartagena?
Bogotá scores 30 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Cartagena scores 27 — where New York City equals 100.