Is Cartagena or Madaba cheaper to live in?

Madaba is 64% cheaper than Cartagena. The average monthly cost in Madaba is $506, while Cartagena costs $1,410 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps. Madaba is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Cartagena has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Madaba scores 6.7/10.

What is the rent difference between Cartagena and Madaba?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $932/month in Cartagena and $176/month in Madaba. Madaba has 81% lower rent.

Is Cartagena or Madaba safer?

Madaba has a higher safety score of 5.9/10. Cartagena scores 4.8/10 for safety while Madaba scores 5.9/10.

Should I move to Cartagena or Madaba as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Madaba if budget is important ($506/month). Choose Madaba for better safety. Cartagena is better for remote work with 85 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Cartagena vs Madaba

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/mo6.8/10

Madaba

Jordan

$506/mo6.7/10

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Madaba

Jordan

$506/moNomadIQ 6.7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Cartagena

Madaba

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,410

$506

Madaba

Rent (1BR)

$932

$176

Madaba

Groceries

$300

$183

Madaba

Transport

$50

$71

Cartagena

Healthcare

$100

$55

Madaba

Safety Score

4.8/10

5.9/10

Madaba

Internet Speed

85 Mbps

50 Mbps

Cartagena

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

6.7/10

Cartagena

Overall Winner: Madaba

Based on our comparison, Madaba wins 5 out of 8 categories.Cartagena wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Madaba

$506/mo

Best Internet

Cartagena

85 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Cartagena

6.8/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Madaba

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

Cost of Living: Madaba is the more budget-friendly option at $506/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. Madaba offers 50 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.9/10, Madaba 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

Madaba is 64% cheaper than Cartagena.

• Cartagena rent: $932/mo
• Madaba rent: $176/mo
• Difference: $756/mo

Safety Comparison

Madaba has a higher safety score (5.9/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).

4.8/10

Cartagena

5.9/10

Madaba

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 50 Mbps.

85 Mbps

Cartagena

50 Mbps

Madaba

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Madaba edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Cartagena: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Madaba: Best for budget-conscious expats

Cartagena vs Madaba

Cartagena

Madaba

Cartagena

Madaba

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Madaba

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Madaba

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cartagena vs Madaba