Can you live in Cartagena with $ 1,000 a month?

Not comfortably. Estimated monthly costs are around $1,381, which exceeds this budget.

Can you live in Cartagena with $ 2,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $1,381, you would have roughly $619 left each month (Comfortable).

Can you live in Cartagena with $ 3,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $1,381, you would have roughly $1,619 left each month (Very Comfortable).

Can you live in Cartagena with $ 5,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $1,381, you would have roughly $3,619 left each month (Premium Lifestyle).

Can you live in Cartagena with $ 8,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $1,381, you would have roughly $6,619 left each month (Premium Lifestyle).

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Cartagena, Colombia

How much does it really cost to live in Cartagena? Housing, food, transport, internet and more — plus what salary you need to live comfortably.

South America 👥 1,000,000 people 🌴 Tropical climate Medium city 🌊 Near the sea 💱 COP

💰 Can I afford Cartagena? ⚖️ Compare this city Colombia →

$ $550 1-bedroom rent / mo

72 Quality of life / 100

50 Safety / 100

74 Internet / 100

60 Affordability / 100

Cartagena vs Bogotá ⚖️ Cartagena vs Santa Marta ⚖️

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Estimated Monthly Cost

Single person, moderate lifestyle, 1-bedroom apartment.

Rent (1-bedroom)	$550
Food (moderate)	$340
Transport	$30
Utilities	$70
Internet	$30
Healthcare	$55
Entertainment	$155
Total (moderate)	$1,381

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Housing Costs

Typical monthly rent in Cartagena.

Shared accommodation	$250
Studio	$400
1-bedroom	$550
2-bedroom	$800
3-bedroom	$1,100

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City Scores

How Cartagena rates, out of 100.

Cost of living

Safety

Quality of life

Internet

Healthcare

Transport

Nightlife

Climate

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At a Glance

Climate🌴 Tropical
City sizeMedium
Near the seaYes 🌊
Geography🌊 Sea
Capital cityBogotá
LanguageSpanish
CurrencyCOP
Time zoneAmerica/Bogota

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Pros and Cons of Cartagena

✅ Pros

Affordable cost of living
Fast and reliable internet
Good public transport network
Great overall quality of life
Good healthcare options
Located near the coast

⚠️ Cons

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Monthly Budget by Lifestyle

Based on a single person living in a 1-bedroom apartment.

Budget $913 per month Basic $1,055 per month Moderate $1,381 per month Comfortable $1,895 per month Premium $3,056 per month

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Can You Live in Cartagena on These Salaries?

Estimated for a single person, moderate lifestyle, 1-bedroom apartment.

Monthly income	Status	Remaining
$ 1,000	Very Difficult	$-381 / month
$ 2,000	Comfortable	$619 / month
$ 3,000	Very Comfortable	$1,619 / month
$ 5,000	Premium Lifestyle	$3,619 / month
$ 8,000	Premium Lifestyle	$6,619 / month