Phnom Penh vs Cartagena for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Adjust income → set household → see a meaningful swing to unlock all three.
Estimated annual swing
+$3,480/yr
Favoring Phnom Penh for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $290/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~52 months and still keep ~$35/mo for dining out.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Phnom Penh Phnom Penh | Cartagena Bolívar |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / mo | $260Better | $390 |
| 2BR rent / mo | $580Better | $870 |
| Median home price | — | — |
| Household income | — | — |
| Childcare / mo | $390Better | $520 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax | 10%Better | 19% |
| Utilities / mo | $60Better | $70 |
| Groceries index | — | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Housing savings
Phnom Penh saves ~$290/mo in rent
Whether you rent or buy, make sure your home and belongings are covered with the right plan.
Childcare savings
Phnom Penh saves ~$1,560/yr on childcare
Put the difference to work in a high-yield savings account — it compounds fast over a few years.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Cartagena
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Cartagena homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
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Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Phnom Penh or Cartagena?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Phnom Penh scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $580/mo in Phnom Penh vs $870/mo. Phnom Penh is approximately 25% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Phnom Penh vs Cartagena?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $580/month in Phnom Penh and $870/month in Cartagena. Phnom Penh is 33% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Phnom Penh or Cartagena?
Home price and income data is not available for one or both cities.
How much does childcare cost in Phnom Penh vs Cartagena?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $390/month in Phnom Penh and $520/month in Cartagena, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,560/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax vs Cartagena has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $0/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Phnom Penh has the same purchasing power as $133K in Cartagena
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026