Cartagena vs Chiang Mai

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Cartagena is roughly 9% more affordable than Chiang Mai (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Cartagena
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Chiang Mai · Cost index: 16 vs 18

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 Index18
1,073Median Income /mo1,400
48Safety Index82
20Income Tax %5
45Internet (Mbps)45
150Coworking /mo120

Price Breakdown

CartagenaCategoryChiang Mai
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
43% ← cheaper
$340/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
50% cheaper →
$2/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$3.5/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
$25/month
$100/month
Utilities (Monthly)
45% ← cheaper
$55/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
36% ← cheaper
$32/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cartagena

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

Chiang Mai

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$120/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena cheaper than Chiang Mai?

Cartagena is cheaper than Chiang Mai. Cartagena has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Chiang Mai (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Cartagena than Chiang Mai?

Cartagena is approximately 9% cheaper than Chiang Mai based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chiang Mai could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,719/month in Cartagena.

What is the rent comparison between Cartagena and Chiang Mai?

In Cartagena, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month. In Chiang Mai, the equivalent is around $340/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Cartagena or Chiang Mai?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cartagena offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Chiang Mai offers 45 Mbps and coworking at ~$120/month. Cartagena has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Cartagena vs Chiang Mai?

The median net monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $1,073 USD, compared to $1,400 USD in Chiang Mai.

Compare Cartagena with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Cartagena wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Cartagena

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed