Laredo vs Cartagena for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Laredo Texas | Cartagena Bolívar |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $950 | $560Better |
| Median home price | $185K | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 19% |
| Monthly utilities | $168 | $70Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 89 | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $395 | $200Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 20 / 100 | 55 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 79 | 40Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Healthcare savings
Cartagena saves ~$195/mo on healthcare
Compare Medicare supplement and insurance plans to cover what Medicare doesn't pay.
More to invest
Cartagena stretches your retirement savings ~49% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Cartagena
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 Cartagena homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
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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 — Laredo or Cartagena?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Cartagena scores better for retirees. Cartagena is approximately 49% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Laredo or Cartagena?
Neither Laredo nor Cartagena 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 Laredo vs Cartagena?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $395 in Laredo and $200 in Cartagena. That's a difference of ~$195/month, or ~$2,340/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Laredo on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Laredo, rent alone would consume approximately 23% of your budget (1BR rent ~$950/mo) and healthcare another ~9%. That leaves roughly 68% (~$2,833/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 20 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 Laredo has the same purchasing power as $25K/year in Cartagena
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