Can I Afford to Live in Philadelphia vs Medellín 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.

Philadelphia, PA
$4,547/mo take-home
Rent: $2,000/mo (44% of take-home)
Tight
Medellín, CO
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Philadelphia
PA
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,547
$4,741Best ✓
1BR rent
$2,000
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$391
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$96Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$160
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$1,835/month
$3,626/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Philadelphia (PA rate: 3.1%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $75K a good salary in Philadelphia?

At $75K/year in Philadelphia, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,547. With 1BR rent around $2,000/month, rent takes up 44% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

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.

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

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,626/month vs $1,835/month in Philadelphia.

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

It's tight. Rent in Philadelphia would take 44% of your $75K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Philadelphia vs Medellín

$40K$50K$60K$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