City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $617 | +$313 |
| Groceries | $168 | $445 | $277 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $189 | $70 |
| Transportation | $49 | $61 | $12 |
| Utilities | $94 | $97 | $3 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $91 | +$49 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$437
per month
Only $437/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$437/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.