Cartagena vs Madrid

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

Cartagena
More affordable overall
57% cheaper than Madrid · 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 /mo2,200
48Safety Index71
20Income Tax %22
45Internet (Mbps)271
150Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

CartagenaCategoryMadrid
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
50% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$1/liter
Meal for One
9% cheaper →
$1.1/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
71% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
48% cheaper →
$48/month
$100/month
Utilities (Monthly)
29% cheaper →
$140/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Cartagena

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

Madrid

Internet271 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartagena cheaper than Madrid?

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

How much cheaper is Cartagena than Madrid?

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

What is the rent comparison between Cartagena and Madrid?

In Cartagena, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Cartagena offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Madrid offers 271 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Cartagena has a cost advantage of 57%.

What is the average income in Cartagena vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Cartagena is approximately $1,073 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Madrid.

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