Cost of Living in Cartagena: Real Monthly Numbers (2026)
What it actually costs to live in Cartagena: rent by neighbourhood, the air conditioning bill nobody warns you about, groceries, and why this is not cheap Colombia.
David Williams — Cartagena Travel Writer
Travel writer with 6+ months living and exploring Cartagena de Indias since 2019. Expert guides on the Walled City, Rosario Islands, Getsemani, beaches, safety and budget — all based on firsthand experience.
Full author bio →Articles by David Williams
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Cartagena Airport (CTG): The Honest Arrival Guide (2026)
Rafael Nunez is under 6 km from the Old Town. Official taxi fares, why Uber fails at the terminal, immigration times, money and SIM cards on arrival.
Playa Blanca and Isla Baru: The Honest Guide (2026)
Playa Blanca is beautiful and the standard day trip ruins it. How to get there, when to go, what it costs, and why the road beats the boat.
Walled City, Cartagena (Old Town): An Honest Guide (2026)
Cartagena’s Walled City (Old Town) decoded: what to see, the free ramparts and Museo del Oro, is it worth staying, Old Town vs Getsemani, and how to dodge the crowds.
Getsemaní, Cartagena: An Honest Neighborhood Guide (2026)
Getsemaní is Cartagena’s best-value base: 30-50% cheaper than the Old Town, the best nightlife, street art, and the exact block to book to dodge the 3 AM noise.
Is Cartagena Safe? Complete Safety Guide for Tourists (2026)
Every Cartagena safety guide either terrifies you with cartel stories from the 1980s or pretends it’s completely safe and you should wander anywhere with your…
Cartagena Nightlife Guide: Where to Go After Dark (2026)
Every Cartagena nightlife guide lists 15 specific clubs that will be closed, renamed, or completely different vibes within six months. They tell you “Café Havana…
Cartagena Food Guide: Where and What to Eat (2026)
Most Cartagena food guides list 20 specific restaurant names that will be closed, renovated, or under new management within a year. They tell you “Carmen…
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Complete Fortress Guide (2026)
Most Castillo San Felipe guides tell you “it’s an impressive fortress” without explaining that showing up at noon in Caribbean heat means you’ll spend half…
Cartagena Budget Guide: Complete Cost Planning Without Breaking the Bank (2026)
Every Cartagena budget guide lists specific prices that are outdated within months. “Dinner costs $15-25,” they say, without mentioning that same restaurant is $8 if…