How are Americans living in Cartagena, Colombia?

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How many Americans are currently living in Cartagena?

No official census tracks Americans specifically in Cartagena, but credible estimates suggest the permanent American expat population ranges from hundreds to low thousands as of September 2025.

The American community in Cartagena has grown steadily, particularly among retirees and remote workers seeking lower living costs and reliable internet connectivity. This growth reflects broader trends of Americans relocating to Latin American coastal cities.

Most Americans in Cartagena fall into three categories: retirees drawn by affordable healthcare and warm climate, remote workers taking advantage of favorable exchange rates, and investors attracted by the accessible real estate market. The community remains relatively small compared to other Colombian cities like Medellín but shows consistent expansion year over year.

It's something we develop in our Colombia property pack.

Why do Americans choose to move to Cartagena?

Americans relocate to Cartagena primarily for the dramatic cost savings, with living expenses typically 50-80% lower than comparable U.S. cities like Miami or San Diego.

The tropical coastal climate offers year-round warmth and beach access, appealing to those escaping cold winters or seeking consistent outdoor recreation opportunities. Cartagena's UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture and vibrant Caribbean culture provide rich daily experiences.

Healthcare quality and affordability rank as major motivators, with Americans accessing private medical care at a fraction of U.S. costs while maintaining high standards. The straightforward property ownership process for foreigners removes typical barriers found in other countries, making real estate investment accessible.

Growing expat networks and English-speaking services in tourist zones ease the transition, though Spanish fluency remains essential for full integration into local life.

What is daily life like for Americans living there?

Daily life for Americans in Cartagena centers around a significantly slower pace compared to typical U.S. urban environments, with emphasis on social relationships and outdoor activities.

Morning routines often include walks along the historic city walls or nearby beaches, shopping at local markets for fresh produce, and frequenting neighborhood cafés. The constant warm weather enables year-round outdoor dining and social gatherings.

Americans report less financial stress due to lower costs, allowing for frequent restaurant meals, domestic help, and travel within Colombia. However, adaptation requires flexibility with time schedules, as appointments and services operate on "Colombian time" with less rigid punctuality.

Infrastructure challenges create daily adjustments, including planning around occasional power outages, water interruptions, and slower internet speeds during peak hours. Most Americans develop backup plans and patience for these routine inconveniences.

How much does it cost to live in Cartagena compared to the United States?

Living costs in Cartagena run 50-75% lower than major U.S. cities, with single Americans typically spending $1,000-$1,500 monthly for comfortable living versus $2,500-$4,000 in comparable U.S. locations.

What are the biggest differences between living in Cartagena and living in the U.S.?

Climate represents the most immediate difference, with Cartagena maintaining hot, humid conditions year-round (80-90°F) versus seasonal variation in most U.S. locations.

Cultural pace and time orientation shift dramatically, as Colombian culture prioritizes relationships and flexibility over strict scheduling. Business meetings, social gatherings, and service appointments typically run 15-30 minutes later than scheduled times.

Infrastructure reliability differs significantly, with Americans experiencing regular power outages, water interruptions, and inconsistent internet speeds compared to generally reliable U.S. utilities. Planning daily activities requires backup options for these routine disruptions.

Language immersion becomes necessary outside tourist zones, as Spanish fluency determines access to local services, healthcare, government offices, and authentic cultural experiences. Most daily interactions require Spanish rather than English.

Social structures emphasize extended family and community connections more than individual achievement, creating different networking and relationship-building approaches for American expats seeking integration.

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What things are better about living in Cartagena than in the U.S.?

Financial freedom increases dramatically due to lower living costs, enabling Americans to afford domestic help, frequent dining out, and regular travel that would be financially challenging in the U.S.

1. Healthcare accessibility: High-quality private medical care costs 60-80% less than U.S. equivalents, with shorter wait times and more personal attention from doctors.
2. Fresh food abundance: Daily access to locally-grown tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and organic produce at neighborhood markets enhances diet quality and variety.
3. Community integration: Stronger neighborhood bonds and social support networks create more connected daily life compared to individualistic U.S. urban environments.
4. Year-round outdoor lifestyle: Consistent warm weather enables daily beach access, outdoor dining, and recreational activities without seasonal limitations.
5. Cultural richness: Daily exposure to colonial architecture, live music, street art, and Caribbean traditions provides constant cultural stimulation.

What things are worse about living in Cartagena than in the U.S.?

Infrastructure limitations create daily frustrations, with Americans experiencing regular power outages, water service interruptions, and slower internet speeds compared to reliable U.S. utilities.

1. Language barriers: Essential daily tasks become complicated without Spanish fluency, limiting independence in healthcare, banking, government services, and emergency situations.
2. Bureaucratic inefficiency: Simple administrative tasks like opening bank accounts, registering vehicles, or obtaining permits require extensive paperwork and multiple office visits.
3. Security concerns: Higher petty crime rates, particularly targeting obvious foreigners, require constant vigilance and lifestyle adjustments compared to safer U.S. neighborhoods.
4. Climate challenges: Constant heat and humidity can be physically draining, with limited air conditioning in many buildings and high electricity costs for cooling.
5. Limited product availability: Difficulty finding specific U.S. brands, electronics, or specialty items, often requiring expensive imports or substitutions.

Do many people in Cartagena speak English, and how easy is it to get by without Spanish?

English proficiency in Cartagena remains limited to tourist zones, upscale hotels, and certain restaurants catering to international visitors.

Outside the historic walled city and Bocagrande tourist district, Spanish becomes essential for basic daily interactions including grocery shopping, medical appointments, utility services, and government offices. Local shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and service providers typically speak minimal or no English.

Americans can survive initially using translation apps and gestures for basic transactions, but independence requires Spanish learning for banking, healthcare, emergency services, and building meaningful local relationships. The limitation becomes particularly challenging during medical emergencies or complex service issues.

It's something we develop in our Colombia property pack.

What is the local lifestyle like, and how do Americans usually adapt to it?

Cartagena's local lifestyle prioritizes family gatherings, social connections, and leisurely enjoyment over achievement-focused schedules common in American culture.

Daily rhythms include afternoon siestas during peak heat, late evening social activities, and weekend family gatherings that often extend well into night hours. Meal times shift later, with dinner typically served after 8 PM and social events beginning around 9-10 PM.

Americans adapt by joining expat social groups, enrolling in Spanish language classes, and participating in local festivals and community events. Successful integration requires embracing flexibility with time, developing patience for slower service, and building personal relationships before conducting business.

Most Americans find adaptation easier by maintaining some U.S. routines while gradually adopting Colombian customs, particularly around meal times, social obligations, and communication styles that emphasize personal connection over efficiency.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Colombia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Can foreigners buy property in Cartagena, and if so, how does the process work?

Foreign nationals can purchase property in Cartagena with identical rights to Colombian citizens, including full ownership and inheritance rights without residency requirements.

Closing costs typically range 2-3% of purchase price, covering notary fees, registration, and legal expenses. Colombia lacks title insurance, making thorough legal due diligence essential through qualified local attorneys.

What challenges or difficulties do Americans often face when living in Cartagena?

Language barriers create the most persistent daily challenges, limiting Americans' independence in healthcare, banking, government services, and emergency situations without Spanish fluency.

Climate adaptation proves difficult for many Americans, as constant heat and humidity (consistently 80-90°F with high humidity) can be physically draining without adequate air conditioning, which increases electricity costs significantly.

Infrastructure limitations require lifestyle adjustments, including planning activities around regular power outages, water service interruptions, and slower internet speeds during peak usage hours. Backup plans become necessary for work and daily activities.

Bureaucratic processes frustrate Americans accustomed to efficient systems, as simple tasks like opening bank accounts, registering vehicles, or obtaining permits require extensive paperwork, multiple office visits, and significant patience with slow processing times.

Security awareness becomes essential, particularly for obvious foreigners who may be targeted for petty crime, pickpocketing, or tourist scams in popular areas, requiring constant vigilance and modified behavior patterns.

What should someone consider carefully before deciding to move there?

Spanish language commitment represents the most crucial consideration, as daily independence and quality of life depend heavily on communication ability beyond basic tourist phrases.

Financial planning must account for healthcare insurance, as Colombian public healthcare requires residency while private coverage costs vary significantly based on age and coverage levels. Americans should budget $100-200 monthly for comprehensive private health insurance.

Climate tolerance requires honest assessment, as year-round heat and humidity may be challenging for those sensitive to hot weather or those with certain medical conditions that worsen in tropical climates.

Infrastructure flexibility becomes essential, as Americans must adapt to less reliable electricity, water, and internet services compared to U.S. standards. Backup plans and patience become daily necessities.

Legal preparation includes researching visa options (tourist, retirement, investment, or work visas) and understanding property purchase processes through qualified local legal representation rather than attempting transactions independently.

It's something we develop in our Colombia property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. The LatinVestor - Americans Living in Cartagena Colombia
2. Nomads - Cost of Living in Cartagena
3. Expatistan - Cost of Living Cartagena Colombia
4. My Life Elsewhere - Cost of Living Comparison
5. Numbeo - Colombia vs United States Cost Comparison
6. PS I'm On My Way - Living in Cartagena Colombia
7. Reddit - Colombia 2025 Safety Discussion
8. TripAdvisor - Speaking English in Cartagena
9. Colombia Law Connection - Buying Property in Colombia
10. The LatinVestor - Cartagena Property Guide