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

Costa Rica
For digital nomads choosing between Cartagena and Liberia, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Liberia
$876/mo
Best Internet
Liberia
100 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cartagena
6.8/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Liberia if budget is your top priority, or Liberia if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Cartagena and Liberia for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Liberia is the more budget-friendly option at $876/month versus Cartagena's $1,410/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Liberia provides faster connectivity at 100 Mbps compared to Cartagena's 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 4.8/10, Cartagena provides a more secure environment than Liberia (2/10).
Overall: Cartagena earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.8/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Liberia is 38% cheaper than Cartagena.
Cartagena has a higher safety score (4.8/10) compared to Liberia (2/10).
4.8/10
Cartagena
2/10
Liberia
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Liberia offers faster internet at 100 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
85 Mbps
Cartagena
100 Mbps
Liberia
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Cartagena: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Liberia: Best for budget-conscious expats
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