City comparison

Chicago vs Medellín

Chicago scores higher on salary; Medellín has a lower cost of living. Compare Chicago and Medellín on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Chicago scores higher overall

Medellín is a step down on both savings and career opportunity

How they compare

If you want to save more

ChicagoOverall fitMedellín
62 / 35+27 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsMedellín
58 / 40+18 Chicago
ChicagoCareerMedellín
73 / 33+40 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressureMedellín
63 / 20+43 Chicago

If you want career growth

ChicagoOverall fitMedellín
68 / 32+36 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsMedellín
58 / 40+18 Chicago
ChicagoCareerMedellín
73 / 33+40 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressureMedellín
63 / 20+43 Chicago

If you want better balance

ChicagoOverall fitMedellín
66 / 43+23 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsMedellín
58 / 40+18 Chicago
ChicagoCareerMedellín
73 / 33+40 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressureMedellín
63 / 20+43 Chicago

Financial impact: moving from Chicago to Medellín

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

-$2,254
Monthly
-$27,048
1 year
-$81,144
3 years

Moving from Chicago to Medellín: trade-offs

You lose

Weaker savings potential — Medellín is 18 points lower on savings capacity
-$2,254/mo estimated net reduction — $27,048 over the first year
Smaller career market — fewer top-tier roles and lower salary ceiling than your current city
Higher cost pressure — rent will consume a larger share of your income

Chicago

US
Salary index
70
Cost index
60
Rent pressure
37
Opportunity
74

Medellín

CO
Salary index
16
Cost index
20
Rent pressure
80
Opportunity
42

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The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

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