City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $906 | $174 |
| Groceries | $249 | $171 | +$78 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $136 | +$55 |
| Transportation | $66 | $46 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $152 | $105 | +$47 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $136 | $26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$2,713
per month
You'd need $2,713/mo in London 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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Edinburgh or London cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$2,713/mo in London using COL adjustment.