City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Medellín vs Edinburgh — 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.
Edinburgh
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,056 | $2,441 | $385 |
| Groceries | $1,483 | $830 | +$653 |
| Dining Out | $629 | $636 | $7 |
| Transportation | $202 | $221 | $19 |
| Utilities | $322 | $506 | $184 |
| Other / Misc | $308 | $366 | $58 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$5,000
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$10,550
per month
You'd need $10,550/mo in Edinburgh to match $5,000/mo in Medellín.
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 Edinburgh on $5,000/month?
In Edinburgh, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,441 rent, $830 groceries, $636 dining.
Is Medellín or Edinburgh cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Medellín worth in Edinburgh?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$10,550/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.