City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Chiang Mai — 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.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $557 | +$60 |
| Groceries | $445 | $517 | $72 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $133 | +$56 |
| Transportation | $61 | $58 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $97 | $152 | $55 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $83 | +$8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,359
per month
Only $1,359/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Medellín or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,359/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.