Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Italy
Colombia
Based on our comparison, Cartagena wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bologna wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bologna and Cartagena, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cartagena
$1,410/mo
Best Internet
Bologna
175 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cartagena
6.8/10
Our Recommendation: Cartagena is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bologna and Cartagena for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cartagena is the more budget-friendly option at $1,410/month versus Bologna's $1,642/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bologna leads with 175 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Cartagena offers 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bologna provides a more secure environment than Cartagena (4.8/10).
Overall: Cartagena's NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cartagena is 14% cheaper than Bologna.
Bologna has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).
5.1/10
Bologna
4.8/10
Cartagena
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bologna offers faster internet at 175 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
175 Mbps
Bologna
85 Mbps
Cartagena
Based on our analysis, Cartagena edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Bologna: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Cartagena: Best for budget-conscious expats
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