Can I Afford to Live in Fort Lauderdale vs Medellín on $120K?

Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $2,600/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight
Medellín, CO
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (7% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Fort Lauderdale
FL
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$7,155
1BR rent
$2,600
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$407
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$112Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$195
$55Best ✓
Internet
$70
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,771/month
$6,040/month
Both Fort Lauderdale and Medellín have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Fort Lauderdale?

At $120K/year in Fort Lauderdale, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $2,600/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $120K a good salary in Medellín?

At $120K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 7% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,040/month vs $3,771/month in Fort Lauderdale.

Can I afford to live alone in Fort Lauderdale on $120K?

It's tight. Rent in Fort Lauderdale would take 36% of your $120K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Fort Lauderdale vs Medellín

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$150K

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