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

Nepal
Based on our comparison, Pokhara wins 7 out of 8 categories.Cartagena wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cartagena and Pokhara, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Pokhara
$324/mo
Best Internet
Cartagena
85 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Pokhara
6.9/10
Our Recommendation: Pokhara is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Cartagena and Pokhara for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Pokhara is the more budget-friendly option at $324/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. Pokhara offers 40 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7/10, Pokhara offers better security than Cartagena (4.8/10).
Overall: Pokhara's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Pokhara is 77% cheaper than Cartagena.
Pokhara has a higher safety score (7/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).
4.8/10
Cartagena
7/10
Pokhara
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 40 Mbps.
85 Mbps
Cartagena
40 Mbps
Pokhara
Based on our analysis, Pokhara edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Cartagena: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Pokhara: Best for budget-conscious expats
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