Is Cartagena or Siem Reap cheaper to live in?

Siem Reap is 49% cheaper than Cartagena. The average monthly cost in Siem Reap is $715, while Cartagena costs $1,410 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Cartagena or Siem Reap?

For digital nomads, Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps. Siem Reap is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Cartagena has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Siem Reap scores 6.9/10.

What is the rent difference between Cartagena and Siem Reap?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $932/month in Cartagena and $352/month in Siem Reap. Siem Reap has 62% lower rent.

Is Cartagena or Siem Reap safer?

Siem Reap has a higher safety score of 6.8/10. Cartagena scores 4.8/10 for safety while Siem Reap scores 6.8/10.

Should I move to Cartagena or Siem Reap as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Siem Reap if budget is important ($715/month). Choose Siem Reap for better safety. Cartagena is better for remote work with 85 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Cartagena vs Siem Reap

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/mo6.8/10

Siem Reap

Cambodia

$715/mo6.9/10

Cartagena

Colombia

$1,410/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Siem Reap

Cambodia

$715/moNomadIQ 6.9/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Cartagena

Siem Reap

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,410

$715

Siem Reap

Rent (1BR)

$932

$352

Siem Reap

Groceries

$300

$200

Siem Reap

Transport

$50

$70

Cartagena

Healthcare

$100

$80

Siem Reap

Safety Score

4.8/10

6.8/10

Siem Reap

Internet Speed

85 Mbps

55 Mbps

Cartagena

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

6.9/10

Siem Reap

Overall Winner: Siem Reap

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Siem Reap

$715/mo

Best Internet

Cartagena

85 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Siem Reap

6.9/10

Our Recommendation: Siem Reap is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Siem Reap

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

Cost of Living: Siem Reap is the more budget-friendly option at $715/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. Siem Reap offers 55 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.8/10, Siem Reap offers better security than Cartagena (4.8/10).

Overall: Siem Reap's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Siem Reap is 49% cheaper than Cartagena.

• Cartagena rent: $932/mo
• Siem Reap rent: $352/mo
• Difference: $580/mo

Safety Comparison

Siem Reap has a higher safety score (6.8/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).

4.8/10

Cartagena

6.8/10

Siem Reap

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cartagena offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.

85 Mbps

Cartagena

55 Mbps

Siem Reap

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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

Cartagena: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Siem Reap: Best for budget-conscious expats

Cartagena vs Siem Reap

Cartagena

Siem Reap

Cartagena

Siem Reap

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Siem Reap

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cartagena vs Siem Reap

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cartagena vs Siem Reap