Cartagena vs. Kefar Sava: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Cartagena, Colombia, and Kefar Sava, Israel, based on available data. While Cartagena offers significantly lower costs for living, transportation, and housing, Kefar Sava excels in quality metrics such as safety, healthcare, and climate. The analysis highlights key differences in affordability, infrastructure, and living standards to aid in decision-making.

General Cost of Living

Climate Index

56 / 93.5

Health Care Index

51.7 / 88.9

Cartagena   Kefar Sava

Cartagena presents a substantially lower cost of living compared to Kefar Sava. Basic groceries, transportation, and utilities are significantly cheaper in Cartagena. For instance, a mid-range combo meal at McDonald's costs approximately $10.50 in Cartagena, versus nearly $20 in Kefar Sava. Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment in Cartagena average around $100, while in Kefar Sava, they exceed $360. Daily gasoline costs are also lower in Cartagena ($0.80 vs. $2.33).

Housing Costs

Pollution Index

50.6 / 54.1

Safety Index

47.9 / 79.4

Cartagena   Kefar Sava

Housing costs vary considerably between the two cities. While a 1-bedroom apartment in Cartagena's city center averages $300 per month, a similar apartment in Kefar Sava costs nearly $1,100. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the difference is even more pronounced, with Cartagena averaging $450 versus over $2,100 in Kefar Sava. Additionally, property prices per square meter in Kefar Sava are nearly 10 times higher than in Cartagena.

Safety and Healthcare

Traffic Commute Time Index

30 / 42.3

Cartagena   Kefar Sava

Kefar Sava demonstrates superior safety and healthcare metrics. The Safety Index in Kefar Sava is 79.37, significantly higher than Cartagena's 30.64. Healthcare quality is also markedly better, with a Health Care Index of 88.89 in Kefar Sava compared to 30.64 in Cartagena. These factors make Kefar Sava a more secure and health-conscious choice.

Climate and Environment

Kefar Sava enjoys a more favorable climate, with a Climate Index of 93.46, while Cartagena's index is considerably lower at 30.64. Additionally, Kefar Sava has a lower Pollution Index (54.14) compared to Cartagena's higher value, indicating a cleaner and more comfortable living environment.

Salaries and Economic Growth

Kefar Sava offers significantly higher average monthly net salaries ($4,852.80) compared to Cartagena ($833.33). The GDP per capita in Kefar Sava is nearly double that of Cartagena ($48,400 vs. $24,200). Economic growth in Kefar Sava is also stronger, with a GDP growth rate of 2.42% versus Cartagena's lower rate.

Property Price to Income Ratio

Kefar Sava has a Property Price to Income Ratio of 8.43, indicating that housing costs are more aligned with income levels compared to Cartagena, where the ratio is not explicitly provided but is likely higher due to lower incomes and higher property prices. Cartagena offers a much lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing affordability. However, Kefar Sava provides superior quality of life, with better safety, healthcare, climate, and economic stability. The choice between the two cities depends on individual priorities—those seeking affordability may prefer Cartagena, while those prioritizing quality and security may find Kefar Sava more suitable.