Cartagena, Colombia
A stunning colonial walled city on the Caribbean coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site and top tourist destination.
Overview
Cartagena is a city in BL with a population of 1,000,000. A stunning colonial walled city on the Caribbean coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site and top tourist destination. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 8a growing zone supports Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 250 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 32.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs Colombia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cartagena vs Colombia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 39.0%
- Sales Tax: 19.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: COL$40,000,000
- Unemployment: 9.0%
- Population: 1,000,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 75°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a
Housing
- Median Home: COL$500,000,000
- 1BR Rent: COL$2000000/mo
Cost of Living
Cartagena's cost of living index is 115 (Colombia average = 100).
| Category | Cartagena | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 150 | 100 | +50.0% |
Data source: DANE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | COL$500,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | COL$2000000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | COL$2,500,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | COL$333,333 |
Data source: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cartagena:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | COL$62000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | COL$191322 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | COL$25000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | COL$35000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | COL$313322 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CREG, EPM, ETB 2025
Remote Work Score
Cartagena scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cartagena has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95°F | 75°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 90°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 93°F | 2.2" |
Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers
Natural Hazards
Cartagena faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant hurricane risk.
River and flash floods.
Andean region with frequent landslides.
Extreme summer heat in lowlands.
Volcanic activity in the Andes mountain range.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Amazon and Andean wildfires.
Andean region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 39%
- Sales Tax: 19%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cartagena per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Many schools operate in morning shifts. Year-end break is the longest.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Cartagena is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: DANE Census (2018)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia?
The cost of living index in Cartagena is 115, which is Higher the Colombia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cartagena?
The median home price in Cartagena is COL$500,000,000. The housing index is 150.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cartagena is approximately COL$2000000/mo.
Does Cartagena, BL have income tax?
Cartagena is in BL, which has an income tax rate of 39%.
What is the climate like in Cartagena?
Cartagena enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 75°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: DANE / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: DANE Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities CREG, EPM, ETB 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.