Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is the fifth largest city in Colombia, with 1.08 million people, it’s on the North-Western part of Colombia on the Caribbean Coast.

Being the second oldest city in Colombia, Cartagena is full of history, culture, life, and amazing wonders just waiting for you to explore.

Above all, Cartagena, Colombia, is a tropical paradise found between the beaches of the Caribbean and a large estuary full of natural beauty.

And, when you are looking for a place with charm, a story to tell, next to the ocean, and affordable on a budget, then look no further.

Here is everything you need to know about Cartagena, Colombia…

The cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia, is extremely affordable in contrast to cities in North America. Considering it offers so much, living in Cartagena comes at great value.

A family of four can expect to pay on average US$2,000 US$2,500 per month. A single person in Cartagena would end up paying US$800 to US$1,200 per month.

These price estimates for your monthly cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia, are including rent, which would be the biggest part of your budget.

The best places to live in Cartagena for expats would be Bocagrande (a luxurious neighborhood with high rises facing the beaches of Cartagena) and Manga (a more peaceful residential neighborhood).

Centro (the Old Town) is also a great place to live, since it has closer access to all the cultural and daily amenities of Cartagena.

Generally, the closer you are to the beach and the city center of Cartagena, the more prices will be.

Within the city center, a one-bedroom apartment can go on average for US$600 per month. A three bedroom in a comparable neighborhood costs around US$800.

Outside the city center expect to pay US$100 to US$200 less for a similar apartment in a neighborhood that is closer to the beach.

Also, people that are more interested in buying, in the nicer areas of Cartagena, can find one-bedroom apartments starting at around US$200,000, and three starting at around US$500,000.

For the rest of your necessities, the prices in Cartagena remain very reasonable. Depending on how many people you are feeding, you could end up paying anywhere between US$200 and US$600 per month.

Your basic utilities (water, gas, electric, air conditioner) run you approximately US$100 per month. Plus, when living in Cartagena, you can find a good internet plan for US$30 per month.

With regards to groceries in Cartagena, for your comparison, a gallon of milk is US$4 or less, a loaf of bread ends up being no more than US$1.50, and a dozen eggs go for US$2.

Transportation in Cartagena is very simple to use, and you can get around for under US$25 a month (not counting taxis or gas).

Living outside of the city means that transportation prices will go up. However, that should not stop you from exploring the rest of the nearby wonders.

In Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll find a wide range of local cuisines and delicacies, and you can find a lot of delicious traditional meals for US$2 to US$5.

A nicer three course meal for two people would go for US$20 to US$40. You will find international restaurants in Cartagena. In short, you will have a variety of food choices at a variety of prices.

When it comes to more fun things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, you are sure to find free tours.

Also, this is an extremely walkable town which cuts down your daily budget tremendously.

Options for other tours, spa treatments, or museums, can start at US$5, and going as high as US$200.

There are many things to do in Cartagena, Colombia. You can walk on cobblestone streets or relax on the beach. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Visiting Cartagena, Colombia, you will be greeted by a feast for the senses. You will feel the hot sun, while admiring the colorful Andalusian architecture, and smelling the local dishes for you to sample.

Most importantly, if you enjoy an old walkable town with something new around every corner, then Cartagena is the place for you.

The cultural activities offered in Cartagena have to do with national festivals, museums, markets, and local cuisine.

You can find out about the history of Cartagena, Colombia, and its surroundings for free while enjoying cheap delicacies.

The main festivals going on in Cartagena and its surroundings are religious festivals related to Christmas, Easter, and New Year.

For example, the locals visit Barranquilla (which is only about two hours and a half drive from Cartagena) during February for one of the liveliest festivals in the world: Carnival.

There are museums to visit, and while many of them have to do with local culture, history, and traditions, you can find great works of art in Cartagena.

For instance, the permanent exhibition at the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art has works of art by local and international artists that you can check out.

Previously having hosted galleys, it is now home to pieces made by Colombian artist Alejandro Obregón and more.

Cartagena, The Walled City

In Cartagena, Colombia, you will discover colonial and Andalusian churches while roaming the streets of the city. The most famous is the San Pedro Claver Church, which houses important religious relics and artifacts.

Still walking around Centro (the Old Town) where the San Pedro Claver Church is, most of the museums are, and most of the activities and things to do in Cartagena are, you will find the house of Rafael Nuñez, which has become a museum.

Rafael Nuñez was an important Colombian author, journalist, and multiple term president. He composed the national anthem of Colombia, and the Colombian Constitution of 1886 was signed in his house.

All admirers of the seafaring ways and colonial history have to stop by the Naval Museum of Cartagena.

You will learn all about the historical trade of the port of Colombia and can follow up the museum with a tour of the local fortress, San Felipe de Barajas.

The structure was used to protect Cartagena from pirates. Also it’s an Unesco World Heritage site.

There are plenty of other museums and festivals to visit in Cartagena, but the main reason you are there is to visit the beaches.

The main beach is Playa de Bocagrande, although there are a handful of close by options to choose from. If you are looking for a less crowded and touristy beach, you can take a short excursion outside of Cartagena for even more options.

While in Cartagena don’t miss out on the estuary nearby, islands to visit, and an abundance of nature’s charms.

Be sure to take boating trips to see the sea life, go to the nearby National Parks to immerse yourself in the local wildlife, and enjoy the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches nearby.

Other notable things to do in Cartagena include spa treatments, mud baths, local markets with a great selection of local fishes, and learning all about the local indigenous tribes.

Not only is the medical care in Colombia of an international standard, it’s also very affordable. Costs for procedures can be 50% to 90% less than for comparable procedures performed Stateside.

While living in Colombia, you can use the basic, government-subsidized health plan, called EPS.

With no Colombian income, this will cost you 12% of the minimum wage (a premium of about US$36 per month). On this plan, you would use the facilities they specify, which will be basic.

From there you can buy add-on plans, which require that you have EPS as a prerequisite. These entitle you to faster service and better, more-upscale facilities.

Not every insurance company offers add-on coverage to people over 60. You may need to shop around if you’re older.

And, if you retire in Colombia, Comfenalco (who takes people over 60) has upgrade plans starting at 120,000 pesos per month.

A private, premium plan for a network of high-end clinics, would run you up to US$1100.

When moving to Cartagena you land at the Rafael Nuñez International Airport found towards the Northern part of Cartagena.

Only 15 minutes away from the city center, the ride should not cost you more than US$10.

To get around Cartagena is simple since the city is walkable. Plus, you can enjoy the views, architecture, and local lifestyle by immersing yourself during your daily treks and adventures.

Also, you can use the buses and taxis. Most expats and tourists will use taxis as they are quicker and very cheap. Either way, getting around Cartagena should never be a hassle.

Visiting to Cartagena and Colombia can be done without anything more than a tourist visa and you can stay there for up to 90 days.

Getting residency in Cartagena and Colombia is a mostly pain free process. The easiest options fall under the Migrant Visas.

You can get a Retirement Migrant Visa if you can show that you are getting a minimum of three minimum wages per month (around US$800) per month from a government source or a private pension provider.

Also, you can get a Real Estate Investment Migrant Visa if you have invested 350 times the minimum wage (around US$93,000) into real estate.

You can also obtain a Migrant Visa through marriage, opening a small business, or getting a job in Cartagena. Be sure to check out all your residency options for Colombia here.

The weather in Cartagena is very warm and tropical all year round.

Cartagena has two seasons, as with most places in the tropics; the dry season goes from December to April and the wet season runs from May to November.

The temperature in Cartagena is consistently between 76°F and 88°F.

Firstly, the weather in Cartagena is extremely humid all year round, staying high in percentage (usually always 100% humidity).

Secondly, is that the water in Cartagena is always warm, and it gets warmer during the rainy season.

Above all, the water temperature is on average always between 80°F and 85°F (26°C and 29°C).

The wind levels pick up during the beginning of the year (hitting as high as 15 miles per hour).

The cloud coverage is heavier on the other end of the year, which is when the most rain occurs.

It can still rain in Cartagena during the dry season, but it is less likely. Most of the rain during the rainy season will be very strong, but very short storms.

While it can rain for a long time, most of the time you can still expect to go out and about the city in Cartagena.

The best time to visit Cartagena, Colombia, are during the warm weather months, when the rains are not as strong.

You should plan on visiting Cartagena between January and March.

But you will still be able to enjoy the beach during the rainy season even if your day is spent indoors catching up on reading or trying out new hobbies.