Cartagena vs Cusco

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Cartagena is roughly 11% more affordable than Cusco (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Cartagena
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Cusco · 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 /mo623
48Safety Index65
20Income Tax %27
45Internet (Mbps)60
150Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

CartagenaCategoryCusco
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
25% ← cheaper
$450/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
15% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
30% cheaper →
$5/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
$25/month
$100/month
Utilities (Monthly)
15% ← cheaper
$85/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
20% ← cheaper
$40/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cartagena

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

Cusco

Internet60 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena cheaper than Cusco?

Cartagena is cheaper than Cusco. Cartagena has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Cusco (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Cartagena than Cusco?

Cartagena is approximately 11% cheaper than Cusco based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Cusco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,669/month in Cartagena.

What is the rent comparison between Cartagena and Cusco?

In Cartagena, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month. In Cusco, the equivalent is around $450/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cartagena offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Cusco offers 60 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Cartagena has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Cartagena vs Cusco?

The median net monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $1,073 USD, compared to $623 USD in Cusco.

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