Can I Afford to Live in Fort Worth vs Medellín on $75K?

Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Fort Worth, TX
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (30% of take-home)
Manageable
Medellín, CO
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Expense
Fort Worth
TX
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)$4,741$4,741
1BR rent$1,400$500
Groceries (est.)$365$380
Transport (est.)$50$150
Utilities$180$55
Internet$68$30
Left after essentials$2,678/month$3,626/month
Both Fort Worth and Medellín have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $75K a good salary in Fort Worth?

At $75K/year in Fort Worth, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 30% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $75K a good salary in Medellín?

At $75K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 11% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,626/month vs $2,678/month in Fort Worth.

Can I afford to live alone in Fort Worth on $75K?

Yes. At $75K in Fort Worth, rent takes 30% of your take-home, leaving $2,678/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Fort Worth vs Medellín

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