Can I Afford to Live in Springfield vs Medellín on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Springfield, MO
$2,572/mo take-home
Rent: $950/mo (37% of take-home)
Tight
Medellín, CO
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (18% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Springfield
MO
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,572
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$950
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$353Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$42Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$155
$55Best ✓
Internet
$58
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$1,014/month
$1,613/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Springfield (MO rate: 4.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Springfield?

At $40K/year in Springfield, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,572. With 1BR rent around $950/month, rent takes up 37% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $40K a good salary in Medellín?

At $40K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 18% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,613/month vs $1,014/month in Springfield.

Can I afford to live alone in Springfield on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Springfield would take 37% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Springfield vs Medellín

$50K$60K$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