City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,233 | $1,137 | +$96 |
| Groceries | $890 | $853 | +$37 |
| Dining Out | $377 | $443 | $66 |
| Transportation | $121 | $175 | $54 |
| Utilities | $193 | $221 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $186 | $171 | +$15 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$3,000
per month
Brasília equivalent
$2,812
per month
Only $2,812/mo in Brasília matches $3,000/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $3,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,233 to rent, $890 to groceries, $377 to dining.
Can I live in Brasília on $3,000/month?
In Brasília, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,137 rent, $853 groceries, $443 dining.
Is Medellín or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Medellín worth in Brasília?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$2,812/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.