City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $832 | $215 |
| Groceries | $445 | $226 | +$219 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $148 | +$41 |
| Transportation | $61 | $25 | +$36 |
| Utilities | $97 | $145 | $48 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $124 | $33 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$3,817
per month
You'd need $3,817/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Medellín or Rome cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$3,817/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.