Cartagena, Colombia
Cost of living · 2026 · Americas · Rent +5% vs 2025
Rent trend in Cartagena (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Cartagena (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Cartagena
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Colombia (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Cartagena |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | COP 2,138,640 | COP 787,920 | COP 101,304 | COP 202,608 | — |
| Bogota | COP 2,476,320 | COP 844,200 | COP 118,188 | COP 225,120 | +15.8% |
| Cali | COP 1,800,960 | COP 731,640 | COP 106,932 | COP 191,352 | -15.8% |
| Medellin | COP 2,026,080 | COP 765,408 | COP 101,304 | COP 191,352 | -5.3% |
Other Americas cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Cartagena in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Cartagena needs approximately COP 3,374,549/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around COP 6,816,634/month. Cartagena is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Cartagena in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Cartagena costs approximately COP 2,138,640/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around COP 4,164,720/month. Rent has changed +5% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Cartagena?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Cartagena are approximately COP 787,920 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Cartagena?
A monthly public transport pass in Cartagena costs COP 101,304 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Cartagena?
Monthly utility costs in Cartagena average COP 202,608 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Cartagena expensive to live in?
Cartagena is located in Colombia (Americas). With a 1-bed rent of COP 2,138,640/month and total single-person expenses around COP 3,374,549/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Cartagena?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Cartagena costs approximately COP 18,010 in 2026. Budget around COP 144,077/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Cartagena changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Cartagena from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 27.9% over this period (from COP 1,672,000 in 2022 to COP 2,138,640 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Cartagena?
To live comfortably in Cartagena in 2026, a single person needs approximately COP 3,374,549/month. This covers rent (COP 2,138,640), groceries (COP 787,920), transport (COP 101,304), utilities (COP 202,608) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around COP 6,816,634/month.