Santa Marta, MA, Colombia
Colombia's oldest surviving city, a Caribbean coastal gem with beautiful beaches and access to the Sierra Nevada.
Below Average vs Colombia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Santa Marta vs Colombia Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 39.0%
- VAT: 19.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: COL$26,000,000
- Unemployment: 10.0%
- Population: 500,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
Housing
- Median Home: COL$320,000,000
- 1BR Rent: COL$1400000/mo
Cost of Living
Santa Marta's cost of living index is 100 (Colombia average = 100).
| Category | Santa Marta | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: DANE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | COL$320,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | COL$1400000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | COL$1,750,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | COL$213,333 |
Data source: Metrocuadrado / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santa Marta:
| 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$178850 | 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$443850 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CREG, EPM, ETB 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Marta
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: COL$1,680,000/mo.
Santa Marta Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: COL$1,540,000/mo.
East Santa Marta
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: COL$1,260,000/mo.
West Santa Marta
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: COL$1,330,000/mo.
Remote Work Score
Santa Marta scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Santa Marta has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 90°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 10.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta, MA, Colombia?
The cost of living index in Santa Marta is 100, which is Lower the Colombia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Santa Marta?
The median home price in Santa Marta is COL$320,000,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Marta is approximately COL$1400000/mo.
Does Santa Marta, MA have income tax?
Santa Marta is in MA, which has an income tax rate of 39%.
What is the climate like in Santa Marta?
Santa Marta enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°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.