Colombia
Cost of Living in Santa Marta
Monthly Total
$1,123
$19,653
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$460
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$22
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/13/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$460
$8,050
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$124
$2,170
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$112
$1,960
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$48
$840
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$90
$1,575
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$183
$3,203
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$70
$1,225
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$36
$630
Monthly Total
$1,123
$19,653
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Santa Marta
Santa Marta is 18-20% cheaper than Cartagena with better beaches. El Rodadero popular with digital nomads, downtown more local. AC adds to electricity. Limited Western amenities. Great value for budget-conscious beach seekers.
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