City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,056 | $1,895 | +$161 |
| Groceries | $1,483 | $1,422 | +$61 |
| Dining Out | $629 | $738 | $109 |
| Transportation | $202 | $292 | $90 |
| Utilities | $322 | $369 | $47 |
| Other / Misc | $308 | $284 | +$24 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$5,000
per month
Brasília equivalent
$4,686
per month
Only $4,686/mo in Brasília matches $5,000/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $5,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,056 to rent, $1,483 to groceries, $629 to dining.
Can I live in Brasília on $5,000/month?
In Brasília, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,895 rent, $1,422 groceries, $738 dining.
Is Medellín or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Medellín worth in Brasília?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$4,686/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.