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

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and Cartagena, Colombia, based on available data. The analysis covers key aspects such as overall quality of life, cost of living, housing, income, transportation, and economic stability.

Yogyakarta scores significantly higher on the overall quality of life index (122.92) compared to Cartagena (91.56). This suggests that residents of Yogyakarta are generally perceived to enjoy a better standard of living concerning factors like safety, infrastructure, public services, and general well-being. Cartagena performs better than some other Colombian cities (like Santa Marta or Valledupar, with quality of life indices around 231.37 and 346.64 respectively), but still lags considerably behind Yogyakarta. Both cities show lower quality of life scores than many other locations globally, but Yogyakarta appears superior within this specific comparison.

The cost of living in Cartagena is substantially lower than in Yogyakarta. The Cost of Living Index for Cartagena is 38.05, compared to 58.99 for Yogyakarta. This translates to significantly lower expenses for groceries, household items, dining out, and transportation. While both cities have lower costs than major global hubs, Cartagena offers a more budget-friendly environment. Specific items like basic groceries, local transport, and utilities (per square meter for an 85m² apartment) reflect this overall trend, making Cartagena the more affordable option between the two cities.

Housing costs tell a different story. While the overall cost of living favors Cartagena, housing is significantly more expensive relative to income in Cartagena. The Property Price to Income Ratio is 30.73 in Cartagena versus 10.58 in Yogyakarta. Furthermore, the absolute price per square meter for buying an apartment is much higher in Cartagena ($1,942.82 outside the center, $2,892.13 inside) compared to Yogyakarta ($1900.15 outside, $2892.13 inside). Rent is also considerably higher in Cartagena ($445.10-1530.20 per month for 1-3 bedroom apartments) than in Yogyakarta ($443.38-905.33 per month). Although nominal rent and purchase prices are higher in Cartagena, the *relative* affordability compared to the average income is much better in Yogyakarta.

Cartagena offers a higher average net salary ($391.35/month) than Yogyakarta ($228.90/month). However, the higher income in Cartagena comes with a significantly higher income tax rate (15% vs. 5%). Despite the higher salary, the GDP per capita is slightly higher in Cartagena ($18,700) than in Yogyakarta ($9,900). Cartagena's economy is more service-oriented, while Yogyakarta's is more agriculture-based. Cartagena has a lower GDP growth rate (0.61%) but a slightly lower population growth rate (0.48%) compared to Yogyakarta (not explicitly provided, but likely higher given its lower cost of living).

Yogyakarta presents a higher overall quality of life index and lower cost of living, particularly for housing relative to income. Cartagena offers a significantly lower cost of living overall and a higher nominal income, but with a much higher property price to income ratio and higher taxes. The choice between the two cities depends heavily on individual priorities. Those prioritizing quality of life and lower overall expenses might prefer Yogyakarta, while those seeking a higher salary (even with higher taxes) and potentially more economic dynamism might lean towards Cartagena, despite the lower quality of life score and higher housing costs relative to income.