Can I Afford to Live in Cape Town vs Medellín on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Cape Town, ZA
$4,821/mo take-home
Rent: $600/mo (12% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Medellín, CO
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (8% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Cape Town
ZA
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,821
$6,321Best ✓
1BR rent
$600
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$80
$55Best ✓
Internet
$50
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,561/month
$5,206/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Cape Town (ZA rate: 18%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Cape Town?

At $100K/year in Cape Town, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,821. With 1BR rent around $600/month, rent takes up 12% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $100K a good salary in Medellín?

At $100K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 8% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,206/month vs $3,561/month in Cape Town.

Can I afford to live alone in Cape Town on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Cape Town, rent takes 12% of your take-home, leaving $3,561/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Cape Town vs Medellín

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See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only