Moving from Boulder to Medellín (2026)
Medellín has a COL index of 35 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 73% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Medellín to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 73% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Medellín |
|---|---|
| $40K | $10,606 |
| $50K | $13,258 |
| $60K | $15,909 |
| $75K | $19,886 |
| $80K | $21,212 |
| $100K | $26,515 |
| $120K | $31,818 |
| $150K | $39,773 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Medellín
| Expense | Boulder | Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $500 |
| Groceries | $414 | $380 |
| Transport | $80 | $150 |
| Utilities | $138 | $55 |
| Internet | $68 | $30 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $3,626 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,885 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Boulder — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medellín cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Medellín has a cost of living index of 35 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 73% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Medellín?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Medellín saves roughly $2,075/month on core expenses. That's ~$24,900/year.
What salary do I need in Medellín to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $19,886/year in Medellín. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only