City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $568 | +$49 |
| Groceries | $445 | $427 | +$18 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $221 | $32 |
| Transportation | $61 | $88 | $27 |
| Utilities | $97 | $111 | $14 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $85 | +$6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Brasília equivalent
$1,406
per month
Only $1,406/mo in Brasília matches $1,500/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$617 to rent, $445 to groceries, $189 to dining.
Can I live in Brasília on $1,500/month?
In Brasília, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $568 rent, $427 groceries, $221 dining.
Is Medellín or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Brasília?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,406/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.