City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $633 | $16 |
| Groceries | $445 | $479 | $34 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $100 | +$89 |
| Transportation | $61 | $52 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $97 | $140 | $43 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $96 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$1,736
per month
You'd need $1,736/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Medellín or Phuket cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,736/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.