Cost of living in Cartagena
Cartagena, a historic port city in Spain, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Cartagena, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $12.56 on average, with a range between $10.46 and $20.93.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $52.32, with prices ranging from $31.39 to $73.25.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.33, with a range between $7.33 and $12.56.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.57 to $5.23, imported beer $2.09 to $5.23, cappuccino $1.2 to $4.19, and Coke/Pepsi $1.57 to $3.14.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.84 and $1.36 per liter, averaging $1.01.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.52 and $2.12, with an average price of $0.92.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.67 to $4.08, averaging $2.68.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.25 to $3.14 per kg, while oranges range from $0.63 to $4.19 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.73 and $2.09 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.52 to $2.09 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.26 and $1.36, with a monthly pass priced at $10.46.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.47 and $1.83 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.35, with a cost of $0.52 to $2.83 per km and $20.93 to $26.16 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $418.59 to $1046.47, averaging $697.65.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $313.94 to $732.53, averaging $488.35.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $732.53 to $941.82, averaging $819.73.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $627.88 to $837.17, averaging $715.09.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1569.7.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1151.12 to $1674.35, averaging $1325.53.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $104.65 and $313.94, averaging $133.54.
- Internet - Internet services range from $20.93 to $47.09, with an average cost of $26.71.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Spain are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Spain, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Cartagena offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Spain. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a variety of options from casual to mid-range restaurants.
Grocery prices are competitive, making it easy to manage daily expenses. Transportation is cost-effective, especially with the low cost of public transport passes.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with more affordable options available outside the city centre. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to manageable monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cartagena presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a range of budgets. Its affordable dining, competitive grocery prices, and reasonable transportation costs make it an attractive option for both residents and newcomers.
While housing costs can vary, the city offers diverse options to suit different needs. Overall, Cartagena is a city that combines historical charm with modern affordability, making it a desirable place to live.