Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)
Colombia

Paraguay
For digital nomads choosing between Cartagena and Ciudad del Este, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Ciudad del Este
$865/mo
Best Internet
Cartagena
85 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Ciudad del Este
6.9/10
Our Recommendation: Ciudad del Este is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Cartagena and Ciudad del Este for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Ciudad del Este is the more budget-friendly option at $865/month versus Cartagena's $1,410/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Cartagena leads with 85 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Ciudad del Este offers 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 4.8/10, Cartagena provides a more secure environment than Ciudad del Este (4.6/10).
Overall: Ciudad del Este's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Ciudad del Este is 39% cheaper than Cartagena.
Cartagena has a higher safety score (4.8/10) compared to Ciudad del Este (4.6/10).
4.8/10
Cartagena
4.6/10
Ciudad del Este
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
85 Mbps
Cartagena
70 Mbps
Ciudad del Este
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Cartagena: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Ciudad del Este: Best for budget-conscious expats
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