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Cartagena, Spain
Capital City

Follows Spain Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,460
Retiree Score
80.0
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
9 facilities

Living in Cartagena means dealing with a heavy bureaucratic burden - the city has 24 districts, each with its own administrative center. With a population of 219,235, it's the 25th largest city in Spain, but the hot desert climate means temperatures rarely dip below freezing. On the upside, the city boasts stunning Roman ruins, Baroque architecture, and a thriving cruise ship industry. However, the legacy of industrial pollution still lingers. Cartagena may appeal to history buffs and retirees seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle, but its quirks and bureaucracy could be a persistent headache for the average expat.

Can I afford Cartagena?

$

Cartagena

You could save

1,540/mo

Savings Rate51%

Monthly Costs

Rent $650
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$810

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
51/100
Retiree Score
(i)
80/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
53/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Spain Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
83
Safety
9
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$15
Meal (Mid-range) $46
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $159
Mobile Plan (mo) $22
Gym (mo) *$39
Cinema Ticket $8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $520
1BR Outside (mo) *$643
3BR Center (mo) $920
3BR Outside (mo) *$986

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Centro, Canteras
Best For
historians

Expat Life Notes

Historic port city with a massive naval history. Expats are mostly industry-related.

Pros

  • ✓ Naval heritage
  • ✓ Coastal access

Cons

  • ✗ Industrial feel
  • ✗ Summer heat

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
8°C°C - 30°C°C
Annual Rainfall
233 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Miranda de Ebro, SpainAdeje, Tenerife, SpainAlmirante Tamandaré, BrazilLiving in Almirante Tamandaré, Brazil offers a quieter Southern Region lifestyle. Practical for expats seeking local living, but limited amenities and transportSolin, Croatia

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cartagena

Click any question to expand the answer.

Cartagena has a population of approximately 220,704 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,625 per month in Cartagena, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $650/month.

The nearest airport to Cartagena is RMU, approximately 26km away.

Cartagena is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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