Data last updated: August 2026

Mexico City, MexicoCartagena, Colombia

You would need around 16.9% less money in Cartagena, Colombia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Mexico City, Mexico.

Overall Cost of Living

16.9%

Cartagena, Colombia is cheaper than Mexico City, Mexico

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,168 USD
City B982 USD
Difference-15.9%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A94 USD
City B76 USD
Difference-19.1%

Average Net Salary

City A1,115 USD
City B424 USD
Difference-62.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Mexico City, Mexico 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 16.9% 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 15.9% less than in Mexico City, Mexico. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:To securely access your home banking and streaming services while living abroad, grab a reliable VPN like NordVPN before relocating.Check out NordVPN

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Mexico City, Mexico 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 Mexico City, Mexico.

USD

You need in Cartagena, Colombia

927 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Mexico City, Mexico to Cartagena, Colombia and investing the 17% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.5 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Mexico City, Mexico 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 186 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 ~31,248 USD in 10 years.