Cartagena vs. Quebec City: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

1. Overall Cost of Living and Economic Indicators

Climate Index

56 / 48

Cost of Living Index

38.1 / 59.6

Cartagena   Quebec City

When comparing Cartagena and Quebec City, the overall cost of living presents a stark contrast, largely driven by Quebec City's significantly higher income levels and property values. Quebec City boasts a much higher GDP per capita ($55,900 vs. $10,000 for Cartagena), reflecting a stronger local economy and higher average salaries. This is mirrored in the average net monthly salary ($2,930 vs. $800), which is substantially higher in Quebec City, helping to offset its generally more expensive cost of living. Furthermore, Quebec City's property market is vastly more expensive, with apartment prices per square meter being nearly 500% higher ($5,963 vs. $1,200). While Cartagena offers significantly lower costs across most categories, Quebec City provides higher earning potential and a more robust economic environment, albeit at a much higher cost for goods and services.

2. Food, Transportation, and Utilities

Health Care Index

51.7 / 69

Pollution Index

50.6 / 36.4

Cartagena   Quebec City

In the daily living categories of food, transportation, and utilities, Quebec City generally incurs higher expenses than Cartagena. Basic groceries are notably more expensive in Quebec City; for instance, a loaf of bread costs nearly twice as much ($3.03 vs. $1.56), and a kilogram of chicken is significantly pricier ($11.48 vs. $6.45). Public transportation fares and monthly passes are also higher in Quebec City ($2.74/ride, $71.38/month vs. $0.50/ride, $20.00/month), as are fuel costs ($1.17/L vs. $0.80/L). However, Quebec City shows a slight advantage in utilities, particularly heating costs for an 85m² apartment, which are about 4% higher ($104.80 vs. $99.80). Despite this, the overall picture for day-to-day expenses favors Cartagena's lower base costs, though Quebec City offers slightly more comfortable utility bills.

3. Housing and Salaries

Purchasing Power Index

28.8 / 143.8

Quality of Life Index

91.6 / 185.3

Cartagena   Quebec City

Housing is the most pronounced differentiator between these two cities. Quebec City's housing market is substantially more expensive, with both central and peripheral apartments commanding prices several times higher than Cartagena ($950/month vs. $300/month for a 1-bedroom apartment). The disparity is even greater for 3-bedroom apartments ($1,521/month vs. $500/month). While Quebec City offers higher salaries ($2,930/month vs. $800/month), the cost of housing alone in Quebec City can consume a much larger percentage of the average net income compared to Cartagena, where lower housing costs combined with decent salaries provide more financial breathing room. Cartagena presents a much more affordable housing option, significantly impacting the overall cost of living burden.

4. Quality of Life and Services

Safety Index

47.9 / 77.4

Traffic Commute Time Index

30 / 33.4

Cartagena   Quebec City

Quality of life metrics suggest Quebec City generally offers a superior standard of living. Cartagena's data on quality of life specifically is limited, but Quebec City provides comprehensive indicators showing a higher quality of life in many areas. The city boasts significantly lower pollution levels (Pollution Index: 36.38 vs. no specific data for Cartagena) and generally higher quality of life scores for specific neighborhoods, ranging from 45.11 in Scott to 225.67 in Joliette. Quebec City also offers better childcare options, with private preschool monthly fees around $716 compared to Cartagena's $120, although international primary school tuition is comparable ($9,610 vs. $10,000). Cartagena lacks detailed quality of life metrics, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect, but Quebec City appears to offer a cleaner environment and more developed public services.

5. Comparison Summary

In summary, Cartagena and Quebec City represent fundamentally different living environments. Cartagena is significantly cheaper across most major cost-of-living categories, including groceries, transportation, utilities, and especially housing. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a lower cost of living. Quebec City, conversely, offers a much higher standard of living, characterized by higher incomes, lower pollution, better public services (particularly childcare), and a generally higher quality of life score. However, this comes at a steep cost, particularly for housing and basic goods. The choice between the two cities depends heavily on individual priorities: budget constraints and affordability favor Cartagena, while higher income potential, better public services, and a perceived higher quality of life align more with Quebec City, albeit at a substantially higher financial cost.