City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $942 | $325 |
| Groceries | $445 | $188 | +$257 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $120 | +$69 |
| Transportation | $61 | $33 | +$28 |
| Utilities | $97 | $76 | +$21 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $141 | $50 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$6,479
per month
You'd need $6,479/mo in New York to match $1,500/mo in Medellín.
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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Medellín or New York cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$6,479/mo in New York using COL adjustment.