Your complete 2026 guide to retiring in Santa Marta, Colombia. Costs, visa options, healthcare, safety, and quality of life — all in one place.
| Category | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR / 2BR) | $380 | $532 |
| Groceries | $170 | $255 |
| Utilities | $100 | $130 |
| Transport | $10 | $20 |
| Healthcare | $18 | $31 |
| Total | $678 | $968 |
Based on current cost of living in Santa Marta, here's how long different savings amounts will sustain you:
| Savings | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | 24.6 yrs | 17.2 yrs |
| $300,000 | 36.9 yrs | 25.8 yrs |
| $500,000 | 61.5 yrs | 43.0 yrs |
| $750,000 | 92.2 yrs | 64.6 yrs |
| $1.0M | 122.9 yrs | 86.1 yrs |
Assumes current costs, no investment returns or inflation adjustment. Calculate with your exact numbers →
Here are the visa programs available for retiring in Colombia:
~3x Colombian min wage (~$750/mo). Must enroll in EPS health system. M visa 3 years, then R visa (permanent) after 5 years.
~100x min wage (~$28K) in real estate or business. Same PR/citizenship path.
Remote workers with foreign employer. ~3x min wage. Does not count toward PR.
Tax rates are indicative. Your actual liability depends on residency status, tax treaties, and personal circumstances. Consult a tax advisor.
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Try Wise for Free →A single retiree needs approximately $678/month in Santa Marta, covering rent ($380), groceries, utilities, transport, and healthcare. A couple needs about $968/month.
Colombia offers 3 visa programs for retirees. The most accessible is the Colombia Retirement Visa (M-Type).
Santa Marta has a safety score of 42/100, ranking #194 out of 230 retirement destinations in our database.
Santa Marta scores 50/100 for healthcare quality, ranking #187 out of 230 cities. Private health insurance for retirees 60+ costs approximately $80/mo.
With $500,000 in savings, a single retiree can expect their money to last approximately 61.5 years in Santa Marta. For a couple, approximately 43.0 years.
Inheritance tax in Colombia: 10%. Capital gains tax: 15%. Wealth tax applies.
Our retirement data is compiled from multiple authoritative sources, cross-referenced for accuracy:
All data is for informational purposes only and updated periodically. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal retirement planning. Last updated: March 2026.