Can I Afford to Live in Medellín vs Allentown 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.

Medellín, CO
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (7% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Allentown, PA
$6,845/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (20% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Medellín
CO
Allentown
PA
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$6,845
1BR rent
$500Best ✓
$1,400
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150
$72Best ✓
Utilities
$55Best ✓
$172
Internet
$30Best ✓
$63
Left after essentials
$6,040/month
$4,758/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Allentown (PA rate: 3.1%).

Frequently asked questions

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.

Is $120K a good salary in Allentown?

At $120K/year in Allentown, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,845. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 20% 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 $4,758/month in Allentown.

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

Yes. At $120K in Medellín, rent takes 7% of your take-home, leaving $6,040/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Medellín vs Allentown

$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