$80K in São Paulo = $51,852 in Medellín
Your $80K salary in São Paulo (COL 54) has the same purchasing power as $51,852 in Medellín (COL 35). Medellín is cheaper — your money goes 35% further there.
Budget breakdown — $80K in both cities
What $80K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | São Paulo $80K | Medellín $80K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $5,057 | $5,057 |
| 1BR rent | $720 | $500 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $85 | $55 |
| Internet | $32 | $30 |
| Left after essentials | $3,690/month | $3,942/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $80K in São Paulo equivalent to in Medellín?
$80K in São Paulo (COL index 54) has the same purchasing power as $51,852 in Medellín (COL index 35). That's 35% less than your current salary.
If I move from São Paulo to Medellín keeping my $80K salary, will I be better off?
Yes. If you keep earning $80K after moving to Medellín, you'd have $252 more per month after core expenses — because Medellín is cheaper than São Paulo.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $80K × (35 ÷ 54) = $51,852. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — São Paulo to Medellín
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only