Moving from Tempe to Medellín (2026)

Medellín has a COL index of 35 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 66% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$1,256/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
10335
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$500
per month
State tax
2.5%None
income tax
COL difference
10335
66% cheaper

Salary needed in Medellín to match your Tempe lifestyle

Based on the 66% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in TempeEquivalent in Medellín
$40K$13,592
$50K$16,990
$60K$20,388
$75K$25,485
$80K$27,184
$100K$33,981
$120K$40,777
$150K$50,971

Adjust your salary

Save ~$1,192/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75KTempe vs Medellín

ExpenseTempeMedellín
Monthly take-home$4,584$4,741
1BR rent$1,600$500
Groceries$380$380
Transport$55$150
Utilities$210$55
Internet$62$30
Left after essentials$2,277$3,626

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $1,192 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$1,454,205

over 30 years compared to staying in Tempe — that's the real price of a city.

$1,192/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Medellín cheaper than Tempe?

Yes. Medellín has a cost of living index of 35 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 66% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Tempe to Medellín?

On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Medellín saves roughly $1,256/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,072/year.

What salary do I need in Medellín to match my Tempe lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $25,485/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