City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seattle vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seattle
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 67.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Seattle.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seattle | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $932 | $617 | +$315 |
| Groceries | $193 | $445 | $252 |
| Dining Out | $123 | $189 | $66 |
| Transportation | $34 | $61 | $27 |
| Utilities | $78 | $97 | $19 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $91 | +$49 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seattle
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$423
per month
Only $423/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Seattle — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seattle on $1,500/month?
Living in Seattle on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$932 to rent, $193 to groceries, $123 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 Seattle or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seattle 67.7 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seattle worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seattle equals ~$423/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.