City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs São Paulo — 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.
São Paulo
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 23.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in São Paulo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | São Paulo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $649 | $32 |
| Groceries | $445 | $390 | +$55 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $183 | +$6 |
| Transportation | $61 | $80 | $19 |
| Utilities | $97 | $102 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $96 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
São Paulo equivalent
$1,838
per month
You'd need $1,838/mo in São Paulo 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 São Paulo on $1,500/month?
In São Paulo, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $649 rent, $390 groceries, $183 dining.
Is Medellín or São Paulo cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs São Paulo 23.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in São Paulo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,838/mo in São Paulo using COL adjustment.