Cartagena vs Santa Marta: where is rent cheaper?
Renting in Santa Marta costs 18% less than in Cartagena: the median is COP 2,960,000 vs COP 3,600,000 a month, across 3,286 live listings. A one-bedroom: COP 3,000,000 in Cartagena, COP 2,500,000 in Santa Marta.
Data as of October 17, 2026, from live listings on Colombian portals and agencies. Asking prices, in Colombian pesos.
| Cartagena | Santa Marta | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | COP 3,600,000 | COP 2,960,000 |
| Listings today | 2,468 | 818 |
| One bedroom | COP 3,000,000 | COP 2,500,000 |
| Two bedrooms | COP 3,300,000 | COP 3,500,000 |
| Three or more | COP 4,800,000 | COP 4,350,000 |
| Studio (apartaestudio) | COP 2,400,000 | COP 2,500,000 |
| Building fee (median) | COP 645,000 | COP 569,000 |
| Typical size | 84 m² | 73 m² |
Cheapest neighborhoods in Cartagena
- Alto Bosque: COP 1,800,000
- Ternera: COP 1,800,000
- Daniel Lemaitre: COP 2,200,000
- Manzanillo Del Mar: COP 2,500,000
- Pie De La Popa: COP 2,500,000
Cheapest neighborhoods in Santa Marta
- Gaira: COP 2,000,000
- Centro: COP 2,100,000
- Rodadero: COP 2,430,000
- El Rodadero: COP 2,450,000
- Don Jaca: COP 2,500,000
FAQ
Is rent cheaper in Cartagena or Santa Marta?
Renting in Santa Marta costs 18% less than in Cartagena: the median is COP 2,960,000 vs COP 3,600,000 a month, across 3,286 live listings. A one-bedroom: COP 3,000,000 in Cartagena, COP 2,500,000 in Santa Marta. Data as of October 17, 2026.
Where is a studio cheaper, Cartagena or Santa Marta?
The median studio (apartaestudio) rent is COP 2,400,000 in Cartagena and COP 2,500,000 in Santa Marta.