City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Athens — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Athens
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Athens.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Athens | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $581 | +$151 |
| Groceries | $249 | $353 | $104 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $264 | $73 |
| Transportation | $66 | $34 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $152 | $181 | $29 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $87 | +$23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Athens equivalent
$1,444
per month
Only $1,444/mo in Athens matches $1,500/mo in Edinburgh — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Edinburgh on $1,500/month?
Living in Edinburgh on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$732 to rent, $249 to groceries, $191 to dining.
Can I live in Athens on $1,500/month?
In Athens, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $581 rent, $353 groceries, $264 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Athens cheaper?
Athens is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Athens 38.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Athens?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,444/mo in Athens using COL adjustment.