Cartagena

ColombiaGMT-5

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

79.4/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

1,500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,445/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

100Mbps

About Cartagena

Cartagena, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Founded in 1533, it was a key port during the colonial era, leading to the construction of impressive fortifications and colonial architecture that still stand today. The historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and plazas, offering a glimpse into the past while bustling with modern life.

Beyond its historical significance, Cartagena is known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere. The city comes alive with music, dance, and festivals, particularly during events like the Cartagena International Film Festival and the Hay Festival. The local cuisine is a highlight, blending Spanish, African, and indigenous influences, with fresh seafood and tropical fruits abundant in the markets and restaurants.

For digital nomads and expats, Cartagena offers a unique blend of work and leisure. The city has a growing community of remote workers, attracted by its affordable cost of living, warm climate, and access to high-speed internet in many coworking spaces and cafes. The presence of beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands, provides ample opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

However, like any city, Cartagena has its challenges. Crime rates can be higher in certain areas, and visitors are advised to take precautions, especially at night. Additionally, while the internet is generally reliable, there can be occasional outages or slower speeds in some locations. Despite these challenges, Cartagena's charm and opportunities make it a compelling destination for those looking to live and work abroad.

Demographics

Population1,106,000
LanguagesSpanish, English

Location

CountryColombia
TimezoneGMT-5
Airport to City20 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Private Transfer

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,445
/mo
18.6% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia is $1,445, which is 18.6% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$570
39.4% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$150
10.4% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$350
24.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$75
5.2% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$150
10.4% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$150
10.4% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Cartagena has good internet infrastructure with 4G and 5G mobile networks available. Fixed broadband speeds are among the fastest in Colombia, with median download speeds around 146 Mbps. However, in public spaces, speeds can vary, with coworking spaces and cafes offering reliable connections.

Cartagena has a vibrant digital nomad community, attracted by its mix of historical charm, beach lifestyle, and affordable cost of living. The city offers numerous coworking spaces, cafes with good WiFi, and events for networking and socializing. While the internet can be unreliable at times, many coworking spaces provide stable connections. The community is growing, with many nomads choosing Cartagena for its cultural richness and proximity to beautiful beaches.

100Mbps
4G, 5G
4providers
1,500
Nomads
25+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Tropical
Cartagena has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to March and a wet season from April to November. The average temperature is consistently high year-round, ranging from 27°C to 28°C, with little variation between months. Rainfall is more pronounced during the wet season, with May to November being the rainiest months, while December to February are the driest.
Temperature Range
27°C - 28°C
Avg: 28°C
Annual Rainfall
1230mm
Monthly Avg: 103mm
Jan
01
27°C
☀️
20 mm
Feb
02
27°C
☀️
10 mm
Mar
03
28°C
☀️
20 mm
Apr
04
28°C
☀️
60 mm
May
05
28°C
☀️
140 mm
💧
Jun
06
28°C
☀️
140 mm
💧
Jul
07
28°C
☀️
120 mm
💧
Aug
08
28°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Sep
09
28°C
☀️
120 mm
💧
Oct
10
28°C
☀️
160 mm
💧
Nov
11
27°C
☀️
180 mm
💧
Dec
12
27°C
☀️
160 mm
💧
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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