City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $617 | +$224 |
| Groceries | $279 | $445 | $166 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $189 | $30 |
| Transportation | $29 | $61 | $32 |
| Utilities | $65 | $97 | $32 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $91 | +$36 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$823
per month
Only $823/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Mexico City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
Living in Mexico City on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$841 to rent, $279 to groceries, $159 to dining.
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Mexico City or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$823/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.