Is Cartagena or Lisbon cheaper to live in?

Cartagena is 30% cheaper than Lisbon. The average monthly cost in Cartagena is $1,410, while Lisbon costs $2,012 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Lisbon offers faster internet at 100 Mbps. Cartagena is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Cartagena has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Lisbon scores 7/10.

What is the rent difference between Cartagena and Lisbon?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $932/month in Cartagena and $1,527/month in Lisbon. Cartagena has 39% lower rent.

Is Cartagena or Lisbon safer?

Lisbon has a higher safety score of 6.7/10. Cartagena scores 4.8/10 for safety while Lisbon scores 6.7/10.

Should I move to Cartagena or Lisbon as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Cartagena if budget is important ($1,410/month). Choose Lisbon for better safety. Lisbon is better for remote work with 100 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Cartagena vs Lisbon

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/mo6.8/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/mo7/10

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/moNomadIQ 7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Cartagena

Lisbon

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,410

$2,012

Cartagena

Rent (1BR)

$932

$1,527

Cartagena

Groceries

$300

Tie

Transport

$50

Tie

Healthcare

$100

Tie

Safety Score

4.8/10

6.7/10

Lisbon

Internet Speed

85 Mbps

100 Mbps

Lisbon

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

7/10

Lisbon

Overall Winner: Lisbon

Based on our comparison, Lisbon wins 3 out of 8 categories.Cartagena wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Cartagena

$1,410/mo

Best Internet

Lisbon

100 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Lisbon

7/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Lisbon

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

Cost of Living: Cartagena offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,410/month compared to Lisbon's $2,012/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Lisbon provides faster connectivity at 100 Mbps compared to Cartagena's 85 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Lisbon offers better security than Cartagena (4.8/10).

Overall: Lisbon's NomadIQ score of 7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Cartagena is 30% cheaper than Lisbon.

• Cartagena rent: $932/mo
• Lisbon rent: $1,527/mo
• Difference: $595/mo

Safety Comparison

Lisbon has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).

4.8/10

Cartagena

6.7/10

Lisbon

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Lisbon offers faster internet at 100 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.

85 Mbps

Cartagena

100 Mbps

Lisbon

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Lisbon edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 3 of 8 comparison factors.

Cartagena: Best for budget-conscious expats

Lisbon: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Cartagena vs Lisbon

Cartagena

Lisbon

Cartagena

Lisbon

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Lisbon

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Lisbon

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cartagena vs Lisbon