Can I Afford to Live in Seattle 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.

Seattle, WA
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $2,400/mo (47% of take-home)
Difficult
Medellín, CO
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (10% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Seattle
WA
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,057Best ✓
$5,057
1BR rent
$2,400
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$410
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$100Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$120
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$1,962/month
$3,942/month
Both Seattle and Medellín have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Seattle?

At $80K/year in Seattle, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $2,400/month, rent takes up 47% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

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 $1,962/month in Seattle.

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

It's tight. Rent in Seattle would take 47% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Seattle vs Medellín

$40K$50K$60K$75K$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