FIRE Number for Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia
Caribbean Charm, Colonial Beauty, and Remarkable Affordability
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
Needed to retire here is the portfolio that, in a historical backtest, would have lasted your retirement at your chosen confidence and length. Status is the verdict for your portfolio. The 4% rule benchmark is shown underneath each figure for reference only.
Enter your real monthly healthcare cost and we'll use it across all lifestyle tiers — handy for VA/TriCare (enter 0) or when your ACA cost differs from our estimate.
| Lifestyle | Needed to retire here | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lean FIRE | $645K | $2,150/mo |
| FIRE | $1.14M | $3,800/mo |
| Fat FIRE | $2.5M | $8,350/mo |
Cost of Living Breakdown for Cartagena
All cost and FIRE figures assume a single adult.
Lean FIRE Lifestyle
$645KA 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
$1.14MA 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
$2.5MA 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
The 4% rule is a great starting point. Here we go a step further and test your plan against real market history.
Enter your portfolio on the homepage to backtest a retirement in Cartagena against market history.
Backtest detail
How this is calculated
This is a real historical backtest. We run your plan through every retirement-length window in US market history (1871–2022): a 75% stock / 25% bond portfolio, rebalanced annually, with withdrawals raised each year for that period's actual inflation. The success rate is the share of those historical start years in which the money lasted the full length without running out.
Your confidence level sets the bar: at Balanced (90%), a survival rate of 90% or more reads "You can retire here", within 10 points below is "Close — worth a closer look", and lower is "Not quite yet". The same level sizes the "Needed to retire here" target. Retirement length also drives it — early retirees planning 40–50+ years see lower survival than the 30-year baseline.
Healthcare, Visa & City Overview
COT (UTC-5)
COP
Spanish
82°F / 28°C
50+ Mbps average
Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG)
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
How Cartagena Compares
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