City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $617 | +$215 |
| Groceries | $226 | $445 | $219 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $189 | $41 |
| Transportation | $25 | $61 | $36 |
| Utilities | $145 | $97 | +$48 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $91 | +$33 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$590
per month
Only $590/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 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 Rome or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$590/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.