City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Medellín vs Brasília — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $411 | $379 | +$32 |
| Groceries | $297 | $284 | +$13 |
| Dining Out | $126 | $148 | $22 |
| Transportation | $40 | $58 | $18 |
| Utilities | $64 | $74 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $62 | $57 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,000
per month
Brasília equivalent
$937
per month
Only $937/mo in Brasília matches $1,000/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$411 to rent, $297 to groceries, $126 to dining.
Can I live in Brasília on $1,000/month?
In Brasília, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $379 rent, $284 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Medellín or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Medellín worth in Brasília?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$937/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.