Moving from Raleigh to Medellín (2026)
Medellín has a COL index of 35 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 65% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Medellín to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 65% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Medellín |
|---|---|
| $40K | $13,861 |
| $50K | $17,327 |
| $60K | $20,792 |
| $75K | $25,990 |
| $80K | $27,723 |
| $100K | $34,653 |
| $120K | $41,584 |
| $150K | $51,980 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Medellín
| Expense | Raleigh | Medellín |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $500 |
| Groceries | $365 | $380 |
| Transport | $70 | $150 |
| Utilities | $150 | $55 |
| Internet | $60 | $30 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $3,626 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,230 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Raleigh — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medellín cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Medellín has a cost of living index of 35 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 65% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Medellín?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Medellín saves roughly $1,481/month on core expenses. That's ~$17,772/year.
What salary do I need in Medellín to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $25,990/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