City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Medellín vs Wellington — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $411 | $554 | $143 |
| Groceries | $297 | $168 | +$129 |
| Dining Out | $126 | $90 | +$36 |
| Transportation | $40 | $46 | $6 |
| Utilities | $64 | $59 | +$5 |
| Other / Misc | $62 | $83 | $21 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,000
per month
Wellington equivalent
$2,665
per month
You'd need $2,665/mo in Wellington to match $1,000/mo in Medellín.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$411 to rent, $297 to groceries, $126 to dining.
Can I live in Wellington on $1,000/month?
In Wellington, $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $554 rent, $168 groceries, $90 dining.
Is Medellín or Wellington cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Medellín worth in Wellington?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$2,665/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.