Can I Afford to Live in Scranton vs Medellín on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Scranton, PA
$8,556/mo take-home
Rent: $1,050/mo (12% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Medellín, CO
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (6% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Scranton
PA
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,556
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,050
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$58Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$165
$55Best ✓
Internet
$62
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$6,860/month
$7,829/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Scranton (PA rate: 3.1%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Scranton?

At $150K/year in Scranton, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,556. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 12% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Medellín?

At $150K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,829/month vs $6,860/month in Scranton.

Can I afford to live alone in Scranton on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Scranton, rent takes 12% of your take-home, leaving $6,860/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Scranton vs Medellín

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

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