Can I Afford to Live in Medellín vs Flagstaff 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.

Medellín, CO
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Flagstaff, AZ
$4,584/mo take-home
Rent: $1,650/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight

Monthly budget breakdown

Medellín
CO
Flagstaff
AZ
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,741Best ✓
$4,584
1BR rent
$500Best ✓
$1,650
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$384
Transport (est.)
$150
$45Best ✓
Utilities
$55Best ✓
$195
Internet
$30Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$3,626/month
$2,245/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Flagstaff (AZ rate: 2.5%).

Frequently asked questions

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.

Is $75K a good salary in Flagstaff?

At $75K/year in Flagstaff, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,584. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

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

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,626/month vs $2,245/month in Flagstaff.

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

Yes. At $75K in Medellín, rent takes 11% of your take-home, leaving $3,626/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Medellín vs Flagstaff

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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