City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Gothenburg — 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.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $763 | $31 |
| Groceries | $249 | $283 | $34 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $175 | +$16 |
| Transportation | $66 | $78 | $12 |
| Utilities | $152 | $86 | +$66 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $115 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,377
per month
Only $1,377/mo in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,377/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.