City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Davao — 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.
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $482 | +$135 |
| Groceries | $445 | $548 | $103 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $165 | +$24 |
| Transportation | $61 | $27 | +$34 |
| Utilities | $97 | $206 | $109 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $72 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Davao equivalent
$1,099
per month
Only $1,099/mo in Davao 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 Davao on $1,500/month?
In Davao, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $482 rent, $548 groceries, $165 dining.
Is Medellín or Davao cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Davao 14 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Davao?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,099/mo in Davao using COL adjustment.