City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Wellington vs Medellín — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $617 | +$213 |
| Groceries | $253 | $445 | $192 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $189 | $54 |
| Transportation | $69 | $61 | +$8 |
| Utilities | $88 | $97 | $9 |
| Other / Misc | $125 | $91 | +$34 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$563
per month
Only $563/mo in Medellín matches $1,500/mo in Wellington — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
Living in Wellington on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$830 to rent, $253 to groceries, $135 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 Wellington or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Wellington worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$563/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.