Cartagena vs Phuket: cost of living for digital nomads
Cartagena, Colombia and Phuket, Thailand, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Cartagena and Phuket cost about the same per month ($1,450).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $600 in Phuket against $620 in Cartagena.
- Phuket scores higher on safety (7/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Phuket: 180 Mbps typical against 150 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Cartagena wins 2 of the measured lines; Phuket wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Cartagena or Phuket?
Cartagena and Phuket cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,450.
Which city is safer, Cartagena or Phuket?
Phuket scores higher on safety: 7/10 against 6/10 for Cartagena.
Which has faster internet, Cartagena or Phuket?
Phuket has faster typical internet: 180 Mbps against 150 Mbps in Cartagena.
| Line | Cartagena | Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,450 | $1,450 |
| Rent | $620 | $600 |
| Food | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $60 | $70 |
| Coworking | $110 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 150 | 180 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | coast | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Cartagena September 10, 2026, Phuket September 10, 2026.