Living in Cartagena: A Practical Guide for Expats
What you need to know about establishing yourself in Colombia's Caribbean colonial city, from neighborhood choices to climate realities and everyday logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Expats drawn to Caribbean culture, beaches, and colonial architecture
- Those who prefer hot weather and coastal living
- People seeking a tourist-oriented environment with English more common
- Anyone researching Colombian coastal options before visiting or moving
At a Glance
Typical ranges for Cartagena. These are estimates and vary based on location, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Typical rent (1BR Walled City)
$1,200–2,500/mo
Tourist premium; colonial buildings; often includes AC
Typical rent (1BR Bocagrande)
$800–1,500/mo
High-rise beach area; more residential options
Groceries (monthly)
$250–400
Higher than interior cities; imported goods premium
Healthcare
Adequate locally
Good clinics; complex cases may require Barranquilla or Bogotá
Climate
Hot and humid year-round
85-95°F typical; humidity high; AC essential
Internet
Generally reliable
Fiber in most areas; can be inconsistent in old buildings
What to Know Before You Arrive
Key considerations that affect your timeline and planning.
Cartagena is hot—really hot
Caribbean heat and humidity are constant. Temperatures hover around 85-95°F year-round with high humidity. Air conditioning is essential, not optional. This significantly affects daily life, energy levels, and electricity costs. Some people love it; others find it exhausting long-term.
Tourist prices affect daily life
Cartagena is Colombia's premier tourist destination, and pricing reflects this—especially in the Walled City and Bocagrande. Restaurants, services, and housing cost more than comparable options in Medellín or Bogotá. Living outside tourist zones reduces costs but changes the experience.
The city has distinct zones with very different characters
The Walled City (Centro Histórico) is beautiful but expensive and tourist-heavy. Bocagrande is a high-rise beach strip with more residential feel. Getsemaní is gentrifying with younger crowd. Manga and Pie de la Popa are quieter residential areas. Each offers a different lifestyle.
Infrastructure is less developed than Medellín or Bogotá
Cartagena is smaller and less developed than Colombia's major cities. Healthcare options are more limited (though adequate for most needs). Business services, banking options, and other infrastructure reflect a smaller city. Serious medical issues may require travel.
Neighborhoods & Areas
Cartagena divides into distinct zones. The Walled City is the colonial historic center—beautiful but expensive and tourist-saturated. Bocagrande is the modern beach strip with high-rises. Getsemaní is the hip, gentrifying area just outside the walls. Manga and other residential areas offer local life away from tourism. Your choice depends on whether you want tourist convenience or more authentic experience.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see the Colombia cost of living guide.
Walled City (Centro Histórico)
UNESCO colonial center. Stunning architecture, restaurants, nightlife. Very expensive, tourist-heavy, can be loud. Best for short-term or those prioritizing beauty over budget.
Getsemaní
Just outside the walls. Street art, trendy cafes, younger vibe. Gentrifying rapidly with rising prices. More local than Walled City but still touristy. Growing expat presence.
Bocagrande
Modern beach strip with high-rises. More residential than Walled City. Beach access, malls, services. Mix of tourists and residents. Mid-to-high pricing.
Manga
Residential peninsula near the center. Quieter, more local feel. Historic mansions and newer apartments. Good value compared to tourist zones. Less walkable to attractions.
Castillogrande
Beyond Bocagrande, quieter beach area. More residential and local. Lower prices than Bocagrande. Further from tourist infrastructure.
Pie de la Popa
Hillside residential area. Views, larger properties. Quieter family-oriented neighborhood. Requires transport for most activities. More affordable than central areas.
Setup Priorities
Key areas to research and plan for when setting up in Cartagena. Each involves tradeoffs worth understanding before you arrive.
Visas & Residency
Migración Colombia has an office in Cartagena. Standard processes available locally. Less crowded than Bogotá office.
Local office handles most needs; complex cases may benefit from Bogotá resources.
View guideBanking
Major banks have branches in Cartagena. Options are more limited than Bogotá or Medellín but adequate for most needs.
Fewer branches and services than major cities; but standard banking works fine.
View guideHealthcare
Adequate hospitals and clinics for most needs. Complex cases may require Barranquilla or Bogotá. Medical tourism less developed than Medellín.
Good for routine care; plan for travel for complex or specialized procedures.
View guideCost of Living
Higher than interior cities due to tourism. Walled City is premium priced. Residential areas more affordable but still above Medellín equivalents.
Pay premium for colonial beauty and beaches; or live outside tourist zones for better value.
View guideCommon Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Issues that frequently affect expats settling in Cartagena.
- Underestimating the heat—it's relentless and affects energy and mood long-term
- Paying tourist prices for everything—venture outside the Walled City
- Not budgeting for air conditioning costs—essential and expensive
- Expecting Medellín-style infrastructure and services in a smaller tourist city
- Choosing the Walled City without considering the constant tourist presence
- Assuming beach life is easy—Caribbean humidity takes adjustment
- Not researching neighborhoods beyond the obvious tourist zones
Key Things to Verify
Before committing to Cartagena, confirm these items based on your specific situation.
- Spend at least a week experiencing the heat before committing long-term.
- Visit residential neighborhoods, not just tourist areas.
- Confirm AC and electricity costs at potential apartments.
- Research healthcare facilities for any ongoing medical needs. Learn more
- Understand the seasonal tourist patterns—high season changes the city's character.
- Test internet reliability at specific addresses, especially in old buildings.
Common Next Steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Colombia Country Guide
Broader context on Colombian bureaucracy and nationwide considerations.
Living in Medellín
Compare with Colombia's most popular expat city.
Colombia Visa Options
Understand which visa category fits your situation.
Cost of Living in Colombia
Understand regional cost differences.
Related Guides
Explore our topic guides for detailed information on each aspect of expat life.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Neighborhood characteristics, costs, and availability change frequently. Always visit areas in person, verify current information, and consult qualified professionals before making housing or financial decisions. This is not legal, tax, or real estate advice.