City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cali vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cali
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 16.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cali.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cali | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $585 | $617 | $32 |
| Groceries | $452 | $445 | +$7 |
| Dining Out | $216 | $189 | +$27 |
| Transportation | $62 | $61 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $98 | $97 | +$1 |
| Other / Misc | $87 | $91 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cali
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$1,716
per month
You'd need $1,716/mo in Medellín to match $1,500/mo in Cali.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cali on $1,500/month?
Living in Cali on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$585 to rent, $452 to groceries, $216 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 Cali or Medellín cheaper?
Cali is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cali 16.7 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cali worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cali equals ~$1,716/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.