Cost of Living in Santa Marta

Category	Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center)	Approximately $300 - $400 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center)	Approximately $200 - $300 per month
Apartment Purchase (Price per Square Meter in City Center)	Approximately $1,200 - $1,500
Apartment Purchase (Price per Square Meter Outside of City Center)	Approximately $800 - $1,000
Transportation (Monthly Pass)	Approximately $30
Transportation (Taxi Start)	Approximately $1.50
Transportation (Taxi 1km)	Approximately $1.00
Groceries (Milk, 1 liter)	Approximately $1.00
Groceries (Bread, 500g)	Approximately $1.00
Groceries (Rice, 1kg)	Approximately $1.00
Groceries (Eggs, 12)	Approximately $2.00
Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg)	Approximately $4.00
Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant)	Approximately $4.00
Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course)	Approximately $20.00
Utilities (Monthly, Basic for 85m2 Apartment)	Approximately $70 - $100
Private School Tuition (Preschool, per year)	Approximately $2,000 - $3,000
Private School Tuition (Elementary School, per year)	Approximately $3,000 - $5,000
Private School Tuition (Middle School, per year)	Approximately $4,000 - $6,000
Private School Tuition (High School, per year)	Approximately $5,000 - $7,000

Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary. The cost of living in Santa Marta is generally lower than in many Western countries. However, it's important to consider that salaries and wages are also generally lower. The cost of living can also vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal choices. For example, eating out at restaurants and attending private schools will significantly increase living costs.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Santa Marta

"The cost of living in Santa Marta is considered to be relatively low compared to many other cities around the world. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Santa Marta are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at very reasonable prices. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing less than a meal in a fast-food chain in the United States. Public transportation in Santa Marta is very cheap, making it an economical choice for getting around the city. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and maintenance. Healthcare in Santa Marta is also affordable, with good quality services offered at reasonable prices. However, it's recommended to have health insurance to cover any unexpected costs. Overall, the cost of living in Santa Marta is low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, it's important to note that salaries and wages in Colombia are also generally lower than in more developed countries," said one expat living in Santa Marta.

Can I live in Santa Marta on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Santa Marta for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe, but it's important to manage your expectations. For instance, you might not be able to afford a luxury apartment in the most upscale neighborhood, but you can certainly find a comfortable, modern place in a safe area. I live in a neighborhood called El Rodadero, which is a popular area for expats. It's close to the beach, has plenty of shops and restaurants, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500 a month. If you're looking for something cheaper, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Gaira or Minca. They're a bit further from the city center, but still safe and you can find a place for around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, if you're considering neighborhoods like Bello Horizonte or Pozos Colorados, be prepared to pay a premium. These are some of the most expensive areas in Santa Marta, with rents often exceeding $1,000 a month. As for other expenses, groceries will cost you around $200 a month if you cook at home. Eating out is quite affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around $5. Utilities, including internet, will set you back around $100 a month. Public transportation is cheap, but if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US. Overall, living on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting. You might have to give up some luxuries, but in return, you get to live in a beautiful coastal city with a laid-back lifestyle," commented an expat living in Santa Marta.

Can I live in Santa Marta on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Santa Marta for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is quite low compared to many places in the world. For instance, you can rent a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $800 a month. If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend places like El Rodadero or Gaira. They're safe, have a good community vibe, and are close to the beach. If you're into a more upscale lifestyle, consider neighborhoods like Bello Horizonte or Pozos Colorados. They're a bit pricier, but they offer more luxury and are closer to the city's best restaurants and shopping centers. However, keep in mind that living in these neighborhoods might push your budget a bit. As for other expenses, groceries will cost you around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, will cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Transportation is also quite cheap. A one-way ticket on local transport costs less than a dollar, and a monthly pass is around $20. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $0.80 per liter. Healthcare is another thing to consider. The healthcare system in Colombia is quite good and affordable. A visit to a general practitioner will cost you around $30, and a visit to a specialist is around $50. As for sacrifices, you might have to adjust to the slower pace of life here. Things don't always run on time, and customer service isn't always up to the standards you might be used to. Also, while many people speak English, it's not as widely spoken as in some other countries, so you might need to brush up on your Spanish. But overall, I'd say that living in Santa Marta on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but also quite comfortable. You can enjoy a good quality of life, with access to modern amenities, without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Santa Marta.

Can I live in Santa Marta on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Santa Marta for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the world, especially if you're coming from a developed country. For instance, a nice one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood will cost you around $500 to $700 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like El Rodadero or Bello Horizonte, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. But these areas are more touristy and have more amenities. On the other hand, if you want to save money, you can consider neighborhoods like Los Alpes or San Fernando. These are more local neighborhoods, but they are safe and you can find a nice apartment for around $300 to $400 a month. When it comes to food, eating out is quite affordable. You can have a decent meal for around $5 to $10. If you prefer cooking at home, groceries are also cheap. I spend around $200 a month on groceries. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable. I pay around $100 a month for all of these. Transportation is also cheap. You can take a taxi for a few dollars or use public transportation for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $500 a month. Healthcare is also affordable and good quality. A visit to a doctor will cost you around $30 to $50. If you need to buy medicines, they are also quite cheap compared to prices in developed countries. So, if you add up all these expenses, you'll see that you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month. You won't have to make any major sacrifices. You can enjoy modern amenities, eat out regularly, and even have money left for traveling and entertainment. However, keep in mind that while Santa Marta is cheaper than many places, it's still more expensive than other parts of Colombia. If you're willing to live in a smaller city or a rural area, you can live on even less. But if you want a city with modern amenities, Santa Marta is a great choice," commented an expat living in Santa Marta.