City Guide 2026
Colombia
Living in Cartagena
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Cartagena, Colombia.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,274
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
48/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
28°C
82°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
60 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Cartagena
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $826 | $537 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,397 | $908 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$200/month
Healthcare
$80/month
Utilities
$140/month
Transport
$28/month
Climate in Cartagena
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
27°
Feb
27°
Mar
28°
Apr
28°
May
28°
Jun
28°
Jul
28°
Aug
28°
Sep
28°
Oct
27°
Nov
27°
Dec
27°
Air Quality (AQI)
35
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
8
days per month
Beach Distance
1 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
500 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Cartagena
Walkability
65/100
Internet Speed
60 Mbps
Cultural Score
75/100
Nightlife
72/100
Outdoor Activities
80/100
English Proficiency
30/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
basic
Coworking Spaces
15+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Colombia
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Available | 24 months | Min $900/month income |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $100,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
Visitor visa -> M-type visa -> 5yr residency -> citizenship
Tax Overview in Colombia
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: limited
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 10% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 15% |
| Dividend Tax | 10% |
| Interest Income | 15% |
| Wealth Tax | 1.00% above $700,000 |
| Crypto Gains | 15% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | Yes |
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cartagena?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Cartagena costs approximately $1,274-2,038/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $826/month.
Is Cartagena safe for expats?
Cartagena has a safety index of 48/100 (higher is safer). Cartagena requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 62/100.
What is the weather like in Cartagena?
Cartagena has an average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F). The warmest months reach 28°C and the coolest drop to 27°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 35.
What is the internet speed in Cartagena?
Average internet speed in Cartagena is 60 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 15+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Colombia?
Colombia uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 10% (long-term) and dividends at 10%. There is a wealth tax of 1.00% on assets above $700,000. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Cartagena?
Yes, Colombia offers a digital nomad visa valid for 24 months with a minimum income requirement of $900/month. The residency pathway is: Visitor visa -> M-type visa -> 5yr residency -> citizenship.
Is Cartagena good for digital nomads?
Cartagena has decent internet at 60 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 15+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is limited at 30/100. The cost of living index is 30/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Compare Cartagena with other cities
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