Can I Afford to Live in Medellín vs Buenos Aires 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
Buenos Aires, AR
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $400/mo (6% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Medellín
CO
Buenos Aires
AR
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$7,155
1BR rent
$500
$400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$55
$40Best ✓
Internet
$30
$20Best ✓
Left after essentials
$6,040/month
$6,165/month
Both Medellín and Buenos Aires have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

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 Buenos Aires?

At $120K/year in Buenos Aires, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $400/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Buenos Aires leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,165/month vs $6,040/month in Medellín.

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 Buenos Aires

$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