City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $725 | $108 |
| Groceries | $445 | $316 | +$129 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $107 | +$82 |
| Transportation | $61 | $63 | $2 |
| Utilities | $97 | $180 | $83 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $109 | $18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$3,259
per month
You'd need $3,259/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Medellín or Tokyo cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$3,259/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.