Is Cartagena or Kathmandu cheaper to live in?

Kathmandu is 74% cheaper than Cartagena. The average monthly cost in Kathmandu is $365, while Cartagena costs $1,410 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Cartagena or Kathmandu?

For digital nomads, Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps. Kathmandu is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Cartagena has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Kathmandu scores 6.5/10.

What is the rent difference between Cartagena and Kathmandu?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $932/month in Cartagena and $179/month in Kathmandu. Kathmandu has 81% lower rent.

Is Cartagena or Kathmandu safer?

Kathmandu has a higher safety score of 6.4/10. Cartagena scores 4.8/10 for safety while Kathmandu scores 6.4/10.

Should I move to Cartagena or Kathmandu as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Kathmandu if budget is important ($365/month). Choose Kathmandu for better safety. Cartagena is better for remote work with 85 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Cartagena vs Kathmandu

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/mo6.8/10

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/mo6.5/10

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/moNomadIQ 6.5/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Cartagena

Kathmandu

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,410

$365

Kathmandu

Rent (1BR)

$932

$179

Kathmandu

Groceries

$300

$127

Kathmandu

Transport

$50

$10

Kathmandu

Healthcare

$100

$40

Kathmandu

Safety Score

4.8/10

6.4/10

Kathmandu

Internet Speed

85 Mbps

35 Mbps

Cartagena

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

6.5/10

Cartagena

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 6 out of 8 categories.Cartagena wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Cartagena and Kathmandu, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Kathmandu

$365/mo

Best Internet

Cartagena

85 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Cartagena

6.8/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Kathmandu if budget is your top priority, or Cartagena if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Kathmandu

When comparing Cartagena and Kathmandu for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Kathmandu is the more budget-friendly option at $365/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. Kathmandu offers 35 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.4/10, Kathmandu offers better security than Cartagena (4.8/10).

Overall: Cartagena earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.8/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Kathmandu is 74% cheaper than Cartagena.

• Cartagena rent: $932/mo
• Kathmandu rent: $179/mo
• Difference: $753/mo

Safety Comparison

Kathmandu has a higher safety score (6.4/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).

4.8/10

Cartagena

6.4/10

Kathmandu

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.

85 Mbps

Cartagena

35 Mbps

Kathmandu

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Kathmandu edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Cartagena: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Kathmandu: Best for budget-conscious expats

Cartagena vs Kathmandu

Cartagena

Kathmandu

Cartagena

Kathmandu

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Kathmandu

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cartagena vs Kathmandu