Can I Afford to Live in San Diego vs Medellín on $60K?

Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

San Diego, CA
$3,328/mo take-home
Rent: $2,600/mo (78% of take-home)
Difficult
Medellín, CO
$3,793/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

San Diego
CA
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,328
$3,793Best ✓
1BR rent
$2,600
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$414
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$100Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$130
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$19/month
$2,678/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs San Diego (CA rate: 9.3%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in San Diego?

At $60K/year in San Diego, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,328. With 1BR rent around $2,600/month, rent takes up 78% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $60K a good salary in Medellín?

At $60K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,793. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,678/month vs $19/month in San Diego.

Can I afford to live alone in San Diego on $60K?

It's tight. Rent in San Diego would take 78% of your $60K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — San Diego vs Medellín

$40K$50K$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