Can I Afford to Live in Sofia 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.

Sofia, BG
$3,293/mo take-home
Rent: $540/mo (16% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Medellín, CO
$3,793/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Expense
Sofia
BG
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)$3,293$3,793
1BR rent$540$500
Groceries (est.)$380$380
Transport (est.)$150$150
Utilities$75$55
Internet$20$30
Left after essentials$2,128/month$2,678/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Sofia (BG rate: 10%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in Sofia?

At $60K/year in Sofia, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,293. With 1BR rent around $540/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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 $2,128/month in Sofia.

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

Yes. At $60K in Sofia, rent takes 16% of your take-home, leaving $2,128/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Sofia vs Medellín

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