Can I Afford to Live in Medellín vs Athens on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Medellín, CO
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (10% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Athens, GR
$4,457/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (16% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Medellín
CO
Athens
GR
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,057Best ✓
$4,457
1BR rent
$500Best ✓
$700
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$55Best ✓
$90
Internet
$30Best ✓
$30
Left after essentials
$3,942/month
$3,107/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Athens (GR rate: 9%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Medellín?

At $80K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 10% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $80K a good salary in Athens?

At $80K/year in Athens, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,457. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,942/month vs $3,107/month in Athens.

Can I afford to live alone in Medellín on $80K?

Yes. At $80K in Medellín, rent takes 10% of your take-home, leaving $3,942/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Medellín vs Athens

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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