Cartagena, BL, Colombia
A stunning colonial walled city on the Caribbean coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site and top tourist destination.
Above Average vs Colombia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cartagena vs Colombia Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 39.0%
- VAT: 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
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$120000 | Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Colombian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | COL$191322 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | COL$50000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | COL$70000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | COL$25000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | COL$456322 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CREG, EPM, ETB 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Cartagena
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: COL$2,400,000/mo.
Cartagena Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: COL$2,200,000/mo.
East Cartagena
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: COL$1,800,000/mo.
West Cartagena
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: COL$1,900,000/mo.
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" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 39%
- VAT: 19%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% 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
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, BL, 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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.