Cartagena vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Cartagena is roughly 55% more affordable than Lisbon (index 16 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Cartagena
More affordable overall
55% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 16 vs 36

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 Index36
1,073Median Income /mo1,460
48Safety Index78
20Income Tax %25
45Internet (Mbps)176
150Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

CartagenaCategoryLisbon
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
57% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
15% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
71% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
38% cheaper →
$40/month
$100/month
Utilities (Monthly)
31% cheaper →
$145/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cartagena

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

Lisbon

Internet176 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena cheaper than Lisbon?

Cartagena is cheaper than Lisbon. Cartagena has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 55% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Cartagena than Lisbon?

Cartagena is approximately 55% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (16 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,338/month in Cartagena.

What is the rent comparison between Cartagena and Lisbon?

In Cartagena, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cartagena offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Cartagena has a cost advantage of 55%.

What is the average income in Cartagena vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $1,073 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

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