Cartagena skyline

🇨🇴Cost of Living in Cartagena

Colombia · Population: 1,000,000 · Cost Index: 27/100

Cost of Living in Cartagena

Colombia · South America

Cartagena is a historic port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, famous for its well-preserved colonial walled city and vibrant cultural heritage, both recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a top tourist destination with a tropical climate, offering an affordable cost of living that is slightly higher than other Colombian cities due to tourism demand.

1,000,000

Population

27

Cost Index

45

Safety Index

50

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $680 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $485.00
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$420.00
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$260.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$780.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$480.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $4.22
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.00
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.60
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.65

Transportation

Avg: $4.91
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$22.00
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.55
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.80
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.50
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.70

Utilities

Avg: $31.33
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$60.00
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$22.00

Healthcare

Avg: $13.00
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$18.00
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$15.00
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$6.00

Entertainment

Avg: $8.95
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$28.00
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.80
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.00

Clothing

Avg: $36.67
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$35.00
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$55.00

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Quick Facts

Currency
COP
Language
Spanish
Cost Index
27/100
Safety Index
45/100
Quality of Life
50/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.