City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Riyadh vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Riyadh | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $628 | $617 | +$11 |
| Groceries | $408 | $445 | $37 |
| Dining Out | $219 | $189 | +$30 |
| Transportation | $43 | $61 | $18 |
| Utilities | $108 | $97 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $94 | $91 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Riyadh
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$915
per month
Only $915/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Riyadh — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Riyadh on $1,500/month?
Living in Riyadh on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$628 to rent, $408 to groceries, $219 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 Riyadh or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Riyadh 31.3 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Riyadh worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Riyadh equals ~$915/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.