Can I Afford to Live in Milwaukee vs Medellín on $50K?

Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Milwaukee, WI
$2,840/mo take-home
Rent: $1,350/mo (48% of take-home)
Difficult
Medellín, CO
$3,160/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (16% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Milwaukee
WI
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,840
$3,160Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,350
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$372Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$72Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$168
$55Best ✓
Internet
$63
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$815/month
$2,045/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Milwaukee (WI rate: 7.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $50K a good salary in Milwaukee?

At $50K/year in Milwaukee, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,840. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 48% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $50K a good salary in Medellín?

At $50K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,045/month vs $815/month in Milwaukee.

Can I afford to live alone in Milwaukee on $50K?

It's tight. Rent in Milwaukee would take 48% of your $50K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Milwaukee vs Medellín

$40K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$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