Can I Afford to Live in Montevideo vs Medellín 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.

Montevideo, UY
$4,257/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (16% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Medellín, CO
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (10% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Montevideo
UY
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,257
$5,057Best ✓
1BR rent
$700
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$70
$55Best ✓
Internet
$30Best ✓
$30
Left after essentials
$2,927/month
$3,942/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Montevideo (UY rate: 12%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Montevideo?

At $80K/year in Montevideo, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,257. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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.

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

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,942/month vs $2,927/month in Montevideo.

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

Yes. At $80K in Montevideo, rent takes 16% of your take-home, leaving $2,927/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Montevideo vs Medellín

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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