City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Lisbon — 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.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $892 | $160 |
| Groceries | $249 | $208 | +$41 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $135 | +$56 |
| Transportation | $66 | $34 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $152 | $98 | +$54 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $133 | $23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,630
per month
You'd need $1,630/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Edinburgh.
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 Lisbon on $1,500/month?
In Lisbon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $892 rent, $208 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Lisbon cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,630/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.