Data last updated: August 2026

Houston, TXCartagena, Colombia

You would need around 50.0% less money in Cartagena, Colombia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Houston, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

50.0%

Cartagena, Colombia is cheaper than Houston, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,664 USD
City B982 USD
Difference-41.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A250 USD
City B76 USD
Difference-69.6%

Average Net Salary

City A4,689 USD
City B424 USD
Difference-91.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Houston, TX to Cartagena, Colombia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Cartagena, Colombia is 50.0% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Cartagena, Colombia's center costs around 982 USD, which is a staggering 41.0% less than in Houston, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Houston, TX and Cartagena, Colombia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Cartagena, Colombia to maintain your current lifestyle in Houston, TX.

USD

You need in Cartagena, Colombia

2,347 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Houston, TX to Cartagena, Colombia and investing the 50% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 7.5 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Houston, TX budget to local Cartagena, Colombia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing982 USD
Groceries76 USD
Utilities & Internet29 USD

Investment Planner

You save 682 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Cartagena, Colombia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~114,576 USD in 10 years.