Cartagena vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Cartagena is roughly 57% more affordable than Barcelona (index 16 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Cartagena
More affordable overall
57% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 16 vs 38

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index38
1,073Median Income /mo2,300
48Safety Index78
20Income Tax %37
45Internet (Mbps)165
150Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

CartagenaCategoryBarcelona
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
57% cheaper →
$1,400/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
28% cheaper →
$1.39/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
73% cheaper →
$13/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
57% cheaper →
$58/month
$100/month
Utilities (Monthly)
17% cheaper →
$120/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cartagena

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Barcelona

Internet165 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena cheaper than Barcelona?

Cartagena is cheaper than Barcelona. Cartagena has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 38/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 57% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Cartagena than Barcelona?

Cartagena is approximately 57% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (16 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,279/month in Cartagena.

What is the rent comparison between Cartagena and Barcelona?

In Cartagena, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,400/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Cartagena or Barcelona?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cartagena offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Barcelona offers 165 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Cartagena has a cost advantage of 57%.

What is the average income in Cartagena vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $1,073 USD, compared to $2,300 USD in Barcelona.

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