Can I Afford to Live in Carmel vs Medellín on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Carmel, IN
$8,544/mo take-home
Rent: $1,450/mo (17% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Medellín, CO
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (6% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Carmel
IN
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,544
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,450
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$376Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$40Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$152
$55Best ✓
Internet
$62
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$6,464/month
$7,829/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Carmel (IN rate: 3.2%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Carmel?

At $150K/year in Carmel, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,544. With 1BR rent around $1,450/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Medellín?

At $150K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,829/month vs $6,464/month in Carmel.

Can I afford to live alone in Carmel on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Carmel, rent takes 17% of your take-home, leaving $6,464/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Carmel vs Medellín

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only