🇨🇴 Latin America

FIRE Number for Cartagena, Colombia

Name: Cartagena, Colombia
Address: Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia

Caribbean Charm, Colonial Beauty, and Remarkable Affordability

FIRE Score Based on safety, healthcare, infrastructure & expat friendliness

Cartagena is a jewel of the Caribbean coast — a UNESCO World Heritage walled city with colorful colonial architecture, warm turquoise waters, and a vibrant cultural scene rooted in Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and indigenous traditions. The cost of living is remarkably low, healthcare is surprisingly good through Colombia's well-regarded system, and the food scene blends fresh seafood with tropical flavors. While English is limited and the tropical heat is relentless, Cartagena rewards adventurous retirees with a rich, affordable, and deeply atmospheric life.

Lean FIRE, FIRE, and Fat FIRE for Cartagena

The portfolio you need to retire in Cartagena at each lifestyle level, based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate.

Lifestyle	FIRE Number	Monthly Cost
Lean FIRE	$645K	$2,150/mo
FIRE	$1.14M	$3,800/mo
Fat FIRE	$2.5M	$8,350/mo

Cost data: Q1 2026 · Medium confidence

Cost of Living Breakdown for Cartagena

Lean FIRE Lifestyle

$645K

A two-bedroom apartment in Bocagrande or Getsemaní near the walled city provides a comfortable base at low cost. Fresh seafood at local restaurants is cheap, the historic center is walkable, and beach access is easy. Learning Spanish is essential since English is limited. The heat is relentless year-round, which is a real lifestyle consideration. This budget leaves room for savings in one of Colombia's most affordable coastal cities.

FIRE Lifestyle

$1.14M

A restored colonial apartment in Centro Histórico or a premium Bocagrande penthouse anchors daily life. You have a driver, dine at Carmen and Celele regularly, and take boat trips to nearby islands whenever you like. Domestic flights to Bogotá, Medellín, or coffee country open up Colombia's geographic diversity for weekend trips. This is well above what most people spend in Cartagena, with substantial headroom in the budget.

Fat FIRE Lifestyle

$2.5M

A large colonial estate in Centro Histórico, a full household staff including cook and housekeeper, and a boat for Caribbean island access define the daily routine. You dine without budget constraints, fly first class internationally, and have the resources to engage in philanthropic work in the local community. This budget is well beyond what Cartagena can absorb — the margin is substantial and requires a plan for savings or reinvestment.

Retirement Confidence

Enter your portfolio on the homepage to see Monte Carlo retirement confidence for Cartagena.

Important notes on retirement confidence

A 90% confidence level is widely considered a strong retirement plan — it means your portfolio survived in 9 out of 10 historically-modeled scenarios. A 95% or higher rate is extremely conservative. Reaching 100% is nearly impossible in any Monte Carlo model, because there will always be a few extreme worst-case market sequences that deplete any portfolio.

Early retirees may need portfolios to last 40-50+ years. The 4% rule was originally validated for 30-year retirements. Consider a more conservative withdrawal rate (3-3.5%) for very early retirement.

Healthcare, Visa & City Overview

climate Tropical

healthcare Adequate

english Limited

safety Exercise caution

visa Easy

Timezone

COT (UTC-5)

Currency

COP

Language

Spanish

Avg. Temperature

82°F / 28°C

Internet

50+ Mbps average

Airport

Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG)

Visa

90-day visa-free for US citizens (extendable to 180 days); retirement visa available

Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in Cartagena

What is the FIRE Number for Cartagena, Colombia?

The FIRE Number for Cartagena ranges from $645K (Lean FIRE lifestyle) to $2.5M (Fat FIRE lifestyle). A FIRE retirement requires a portfolio of approximately $1.14M, based on estimated monthly costs of $3,800 and a 4% safe withdrawal rate.

How much does it cost to retire in Cartagena?

Monthly living costs in Cartagena range from $2,150 (Lean FIRE) to $3,800 (FIRE), covering housing, dining, groceries, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and utilities.

What is healthcare like in Cartagena for expats and retirees?

Healthcare in Cartagena costs approximately $225 to $300/month depending on coverage level. Colombian EPS health system enrollment plus basic private supplement — excellent value.

Do I need a visa to retire in Cartagena, Colombia?

90-day visa-free for US citizens (extendable to 180 days); retirement visa available

What is the weather like in Cartagena?

Tropical with year-round heat and a rainy season from May to November The average temperature is 82°F / 28°C.

Is Cartagena English-friendly?

English proficiency in Cartagena is rated "Low." The primary language is Spanish.

How safe is Cartagena for retirees?

Moderate – safe in tourist areas; standard urban precautions advised