City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Hanoi vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Hanoi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Hanoi.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Hanoi | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $701 | $617 | +$84 |
| Groceries | $462 | $445 | +$17 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $189 | $96 |
| Transportation | $15 | $61 | $46 |
| Utilities | $124 | $97 | +$27 |
| Other / Misc | $105 | $91 | +$14 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Hanoi
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$1,592
per month
You'd need $1,592/mo in Medellín to match $1,500/mo in Hanoi.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Hanoi on $1,500/month?
Living in Hanoi on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$701 to rent, $462 to groceries, $93 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 Hanoi or Medellín cheaper?
Hanoi is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Hanoi 18 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Hanoi worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Hanoi equals ~$1,592/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.