Cartagena vs West Palm Beach for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
+$28,995/yr
Favoring Cartagena for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $2,416/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~7 months and still keep ~$290/mo for dining out.
Complete the Picture
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High-yield savings
Park ~$28,995/yr savings at 4–5%+ APY
Even $2,416/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Cartagena resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
Compare Medicare supplement options for your new state
Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Cartagena Bolívar | West Palm Beach Florida | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $560Better | $2,400 | $22,080/yr saves in Cartagena |
| Median home price | — | $500K | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None | — |
| Sales tax (combined) | 19% | 7%Better | — |
| Monthly utilities | $70Better | $200 | $1,560/yr saves in Cartagena |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | 106 | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $200Better | $585 | $4,620/yr saves in Cartagena |
| Walk score (0–100) | 55 / 100Better | 55 / 100 | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 40Better | 117 | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Healthcare savings
Cartagena saves ~$385/mo on healthcare
Compare Medicare supplement and insurance plans to cover what Medicare doesn't pay.
More to invest
Cartagena stretches your retirement savings ~66% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in West Palm Beach
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in West Palm Beach homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Cartagena or West Palm Beach?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Cartagena scores better for retirees. Cartagena is approximately 66% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Cartagena or West Palm Beach?
Neither Cartagena nor West Palm Beach has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Cartagena vs West Palm Beach?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $200 in Cartagena and $585 in West Palm Beach. That's a difference of ~$385/month, or ~$4,620/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Cartagena on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Cartagena, rent alone would consume approximately 13% of your budget (1BR rent ~$560/mo) and healthcare another ~5%. That leaves roughly 82% (~$3,417/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Cartagena has a higher walk score (55 vs 55 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Cartagena offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Cartagena has the same purchasing power as $146K/year in West Palm Beach
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026