City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $617 | +$108 |
| Groceries | $316 | $445 | $129 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $189 | $82 |
| Transportation | $63 | $61 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $180 | $97 | +$83 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $91 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$690
per month
Only $690/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 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 Tokyo or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$690/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.