City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $628 | $11 |
| Groceries | $445 | $408 | +$37 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $219 | $30 |
| Transportation | $61 | $43 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $97 | $108 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $94 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$2,458
per month
You'd need $2,458/mo in Riyadh 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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Medellín or Riyadh cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$2,458/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.