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

Stavanger, Norway, presents a significantly higher quality of life compared to Cartagena, Colombia, based on key indices. Stavanger scores substantially higher across the board in metrics like safety, healthcare, environmental quality, and infrastructure, reflecting its status as a developed Western European city. Conversely, Cartagena's quality metrics are considerably lower, indicating challenges in these areas. Economically, Stavanger boasts a much higher average net salary (NOK 40,000/month equivalent) paired with a lower property price-to-income ratio (10.0), suggesting greater purchasing power and potentially less financial strain on housing. Cartagena's average net salary is significantly lower (USD 391/month), and its property price-to-income ratio is alarmingly high (30.7), indicating that housing costs, while lower in absolute terms, represent a much larger proportion of income than in Stavanger.

The difference in housing costs between Stavanger and Cartagena is stark. A 3-bedroom apartment in Stavanger's city center averages NOK 3,000,000 (approx. USD 300,000), while the same in Cartagena's center is COP 1,530,200,000 CLP (approx. USD 280,000). However, the absolute cost of living for daily needs is vastly different. Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment cost around NOK 2,000 (approx. USD 200) in Stavanger, whereas in Cartagena, this is COP 153,060 CLP (approx. USD 153). Transportation costs also reflect the economic gap. A monthly public transport pass in Stavanger is NOK 360 (approx. USD 40), while in Cartagena it's COP 31,020 CLP (approx. USD 31). Fuel prices are significantly cheaper in Cartagena (COP 1,100/liter) than in Stavanger (NOK 14.00/liter).

Grocery expenses for basic food items are substantially lower in Cartagena. For example, a loaf of bread costs COP 2,050 CLP (approx. USD 2.05) compared to NOK 24 in Stavanger. A mid-range restaurant meal for two people is COP 98,480 CLP (approx. USD 98.50) in Cartagena, significantly cheaper than the NOK 600-800 (approx. USD 66-88) range in Stavanger. Even clothing and shoes, while reflecting different price levels, show Cartagena as much more affordable. A pair of mid-range Nike running shoes costs COP 135,840 CLP (approx. USD 136) in Cartena versus NOK 699 (approx. USD 77) in Stavanger. Similarly, a basic mobile phone plan with data is COP 117.60 CLP (approx. USD 1.18) in Cartagena versus NOK 89 (approx. USD 100) in Stavanger.

Stavanger offers a substantially higher income potential (average net salary NOK 40,000/month) coupled with a lower property price-to-income ratio (10.0), indicating that housing is less of a financial burden. Cartagena's average net salary is significantly lower (USD 391/month), and despite lower absolute property prices, the high property price-to-income ratio (30.7) suggests that housing costs consume a very large percentage of the average Cartagena salary. Furthermore, Stavanger operates within a developed economy with a high GDP per capita (NOK 700,000) and a low mortgage interest rate (4.0%). Cartagena, while growing, has a much lower GDP per capita (USD 18,700) and a significantly higher mortgage interest rate (15.0%), impacting long-term affordability and economic stability.

In summary, Stavanger offers a vastly superior quality of life with significantly higher safety, healthcare, and environmental standards, alongside a higher income and lower housing cost burden relative to its income. Cartagena provides a much lower cost of living, particularly for housing and daily goods, but at the expense of lower quality metrics and a significantly lower income. While Cartagena is more affordable, the trade-off involves substantial compromises in safety, healthcare access, environmental quality, and overall infrastructure. Stavanger represents a higher standard of living but at a considerably greater financial cost.