City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $830 | $213 |
| Groceries | $445 | $253 | +$192 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $135 | +$54 |
| Transportation | $61 | $69 | $8 |
| Utilities | $97 | $88 | +$9 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $125 | $34 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$3,997
per month
You'd need $3,997/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Medellín or Wellington cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$3,997/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.