City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $617 | +$325 |
| Groceries | $188 | $445 | $257 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $189 | $69 |
| Transportation | $33 | $61 | $28 |
| Utilities | $76 | $97 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $91 | +$50 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$347
per month
Only $347/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $1,500/month?
Living in New York on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$942 to rent, $188 to groceries, $120 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 New York or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$347/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.