City · Región de Murcia · All places
A naval port with a Roman theatre, a modernist centre and wild beaches in the hills behind, at very low prices.
Cartagena is a port city on the south-east coast, in the Región de Murcia, set in a natural harbour ringed by hills. It is a naval base and an industrial port, and also one of the oldest cities in Spain, with Carthaginian, Roman, Moorish and modern layers piled on top of each other.
It is not a resort or a postcard town. It is a working, slightly rough-edged city that has restored its centre with museums and pedestrian streets, and that sits at the edge of some of the wildest and least developed beaches on the Spanish Mediterranean. Prices are low and the sun is almost permanent.
The city has 220,704 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 15.9% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Cartagena stands out for housing and climate; it is weaker on connectivity and healthcare. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €380 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Cartagena’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
Few residents come from English-speaking or northern European countries, so daily life runs in Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish.
Summer nights stay warm, so sleep depends on a cooled bedroom. Check for air-conditioning before you sign.
Most people drive to work. Without a car, check bus routes from any flat before you commit.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain across Región de Murcia. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Rice dishes, caldero from the Mar Menor, fresh fish, michirones and an asiático coffee.
Easy and informal, with a working port rhythm and a livelier centre at weekends.
Bars and terraces around Calle Mayor and the harbour, with more life in summer.
The restored old town, the Barrio de la Concepción on the hill, and the outer districts of Santa Lucía and Los Dolores.
Spanish with a strong local accent, and a lot of Murcian words.
Carthaginians and Romans in September, and Holy Week processions in spring.
Calblanque, Cabo Tiñoso and the dive sites of the Islas Hormigas, all close by car.
Cartagena is a city of layers. A Roman theatre, hidden for centuries under houses and rediscovered in the late twentieth century, sits right in the old town, next to a cathedral ruined in the Civil War. The harbour promenade is lined with naval buildings, the original Peral submarine, an early military submarine from the nineteenth century, and ships in dock.
Modernist facades, such as the Gran Hotel and the Casa Cervantes, line the pedestrian Calle Mayor. In September the city celebrates the Carthaginians and Romans festival, where much of the population dresses as one or the other, recreating the ancient battles with armies and camps for ten days. People are friendly, informal and used to outsiders, because ships have brought them for millennia.
The old town and the hill of the Molinete have been restored, with a museum of underwater archaeology and a modern auditorium on the harbour. The outer districts are plainer, with apartment blocks and the Santa Lucía hospital area. Beyond the city, a regional park of cliffs and unspoiled beaches at Calblanque and a string of coves are a short drive away, and the Mar Menor and La Manga are close.
The food is simple and local: rice dishes, fresh fish, caldero from the Mar Menor, an asiático coffee with condensed milk and brandy, and vegetables from the surrounding plain.
Cartagena was founded as Carthago Nova by the Carthaginians in the third century BC, as a base for their conquest of the peninsula, and later became a major Roman port serving silver mines in the hills. Its deep, sheltered harbour made it a base for the Spanish navy from the eighteenth century onwards, and the naval arsenal and shipyard remain among the city's main employers.
The nearby mines, the port, an oil refinery in the valley of Escombreras and shipbuilding gave it a heavy-industry character, and the mining boom of the nineteenth century left fine modernist buildings. Today the economy still depends on the port, the navy and industry, with growing tourism, logistics and a technical university. Jobs come out below average and prosperity weak. Unemployment is 14.5% (2025), and household income per person is €13,902 a year (2024). Adults with a university degree make up 37% (2024).
The low incomes explain the cheap housing. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €380 a month (2024), and buying costs €1,486 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average, and it is the city's strongest card.
Healthcare comes out weak in the overall picture, and life expectancy is 82.2 years (2023). The big Santa Lucía hospital serves the city and the surrounding area. Recorded crime is 46.0 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out average. Most people drive: car use is 71% of commuters of commuters (2021), though the average commute is short at 32 min (2021).
Figures for Cartagena itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Cartagena data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Housing is above average: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rent per m²: 5.42 €/m² a month — better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 73 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Cartagena · 2024 | 5.42 €/m² a month | better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearCartagena · 2024 | 2.90% | better than 77% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Cartagena · 2026-Q2 | 1,486 €/m² | better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsCartagena · 2024 | 4.97% | better than 43% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearCartagena · 2026-Q2 | 13.6% | better than 58% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is around the middle: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 168 days a year — better than 95% of major European cities
Average: 60 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Cartagena · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 168 days a year | better than 95% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CCartagena · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 1.40 days a year | better than 49% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CCartagena · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 105 nights a year | better than 0% of major European cities |
Safety is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Robberies: 69.3 per 100k people — better than 63% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 48 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesCartagena · 2025 | 0.91 per 100k people | better than 40% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeCartagena · 2024 | 46.0 per 1,000 people | better than 60% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesCartagena · 2025 | 69.3 per 100k people | better than 63% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesCartagena · 2025 | 173 per 100k people | better than 18% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesCartagena · 2024 | 0.48 per 1,000 people | better than 37% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsCartagena · 2025 | 1,050 per 100k people | better than 59% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsCartagena · 2025 | 43.0 per 100k people | better than 63% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Average commute (one way): 32.3 minutes — better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 45 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Cartagena · 2021 | 32.3 minutes | better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carCartagena · 2021 | 71.0% | better than 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportCartagena · 2021 | 7.90% | better than 25% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment: 14.5% — worse than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 30 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentCartagena · 2025 | 14.5% | better than 30% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearCartagena · 2025 | -0.64 points | better than 31% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 99.7% — worse than 95% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 23 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetCartagena · 2025 | 95.8% | better than 17% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorCartagena · 2025 | 98.2% | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageCartagena · 2025 | 99.7% | better than 5% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 13,902 € a year per person — worse than 77% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 23 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personCartagena · 2024 | 13,902 € a year per person | better than 23% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 82.2 years — worse than 80% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 20 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyCartagena · 2023 | 82.2 years | better than 20% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 21.8 km — worse than 95% of major European cities
Weak: 5 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportCartagena · 2026-10-21 | 21.8 km | better than 5% of major European cities |
What we cannot score for Cartagena yet
Highs around 31° in August, lows around 9° in January. 168 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 105 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.9°C | 9.2°C | 34 mm |
| February | 16.8°C | 9.9°C | 13 mm |
| March | 18.2°C | 11.2°C | 58 mm |
| April | 19.9°C | 12.9°C | 35 mm |
| May | 23.4°C | 16.3°C | 23 mm |
| June | 27.2°C | 19.9°C | 14 mm |
| July | 30.5°C | 23.2°C | 2 mm |
| August | 30.8°C | 24.0°C | 14 mm |
| September | 27.8°C | 21.6°C | 42 mm |
| October | 24.5°C | 18.1°C | 33 mm |
| November | 20.2°C | 13.5°C | 29 mm |
| December | 17.5°C | 11.1°C | 38 mm |
Cartagena has a dry, mild Mediterranean climate. Winters are warm and sunny, summers are long, hot and dry, with a sea breeze on the coast. Rainfall is only 334 mm a year (2015–2024), but it can arrive in violent autumn downpours that flood streets.
Tropical nights, when the temperature stays above twenty degrees, run at 105 a year (2015–2024). Frost days are 0 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 168 a year (2015–2024).
It is a winter city, in the sense that the best months are October to May, with mild days and bright light. Summer is for the beach and for air conditioning, and the warm sea means nights stay sticky into September.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
48/100 · average · 74th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
14.5% in 2025
13.6% in Q2 2026
€5.4 per m² a month in 2024
€1,486 per m² in Q2 2026
82.3 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Cartagena. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Diving, sailing, hiking and beaches in a dry landscape of cliffs and coves. Hot summers.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
One of the cheapest Mediterranean port cities, with real services. Work is the main constraint.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
A technical university in the old town and a modest, friendly student life with very cheap rooms.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Warm winters, low costs and a seafront life, with a big hospital nearby. Summers are hot and the city is not built for walking in the heat.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Affordable, reasonably safe and beachy, with schools and parks. Jobs are tied to the port, the navy and industry, so household income is the limit.
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Cheap and sunny with a good-enough connection. Few other remote workers and limited flights from the local airport.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
Few luxury services, though good sailing and nearby golf and marinas.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Roman theatre, modernist buildings, a festival with an ancient flavour and good seafood. A distinctive scene for its size.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: Murcia (58)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
Opportunities in the port, shipbuilding, energy and the navy, but a thin private job market and a small social scene.
Better nearby for young professionals: Lorca (53)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Industrial and port services, with low costs and a limited local market.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Cartagena as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Cartagena; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €369 a month
Compare with Cartagena70 m²: €337 a month
Compare with Cartagena70 m²: €457 a month
Compare with CartagenaGuide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
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