Your complete 2026 guide to retiring in Cartagena, Colombia. Costs, visa options, healthcare, safety, and quality of life — all in one place.
| Category | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR / 2BR) | $520 | $728 |
| Groceries | $200 | $300 |
| Utilities | $120 | $156 |
| Transport | $15 | $30 |
| Healthcare | $22 | $37 |
| Total | $877 | $1,251 |
Based on current cost of living in Cartagena, here's how long different savings amounts will sustain you:
| Savings | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | 19.0 yrs | 13.3 yrs |
| $300,000 | 28.5 yrs | 20.0 yrs |
| $500,000 | 47.5 yrs | 33.3 yrs |
| $750,000 | 71.3 yrs | 50.0 yrs |
| $1.0M | 95.0 yrs | 66.6 yrs |
Assumes current costs, no investment returns or inflation adjustment. Calculate with your exact numbers →
Here are the visa programs available for retiring in Colombia:
~3x Colombian min wage (~$750/mo). Must enroll in EPS health system. M visa 3 years, then R visa (permanent) after 5 years.
~100x min wage (~$28K) in real estate or business. Same PR/citizenship path.
Remote workers with foreign employer. ~3x min wage. Does not count toward PR.
Tax rates are indicative. Your actual liability depends on residency status, tax treaties, and personal circumstances. Consult a tax advisor.
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Try Wise for Free →A single retiree needs approximately $877/month in Cartagena, covering rent ($520), groceries, utilities, transport, and healthcare. A couple needs about $1,251/month.
Colombia offers 3 visa programs for retirees. The most accessible is the Colombia Retirement Visa (M-Type).
Cartagena has a safety score of 40/100, ranking #205 out of 230 retirement destinations in our database.
Cartagena scores 60/100 for healthcare quality, ranking #139 out of 230 cities. Private health insurance for retirees 60+ costs approximately $80/mo.
With $500,000 in savings, a single retiree can expect their money to last approximately 47.5 years in Cartagena. For a couple, approximately 33.3 years.
Inheritance tax in Colombia: 10%. Capital gains tax: 15%. Wealth tax applies.
Our retirement data is compiled from multiple authoritative sources, cross-referenced for accuracy:
All data is for informational purposes only and updated periodically. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal retirement planning. Last updated: March 2026.