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

Malta
Based on our comparison, Cartagena wins 5 out of 8 categories.Sliema wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cartagena and Sliema, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cartagena
$1,410/mo
Best Internet
Sliema
130 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cartagena
6.8/10
Our Recommendation: Cartagena is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Cartagena and Sliema for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cartagena offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,410/month compared to Sliema's $2,346/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Sliema provides faster connectivity at 130 Mbps compared to Cartagena's 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Sliema 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.
Cartagena is 40% cheaper than Sliema.
Sliema has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Cartagena (4.8/10).
4.8/10
Cartagena
6.7/10
Sliema
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Sliema offers faster internet at 130 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
85 Mbps
Cartagena
130 Mbps
Sliema
Based on our analysis, Cartagena edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Cartagena: Best for budget-conscious expats
Sliema: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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