City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Manila — 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.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $609 | +$123 |
| Groceries | $249 | $461 | $212 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $144 | +$47 |
| Transportation | $66 | $22 | +$44 |
| Utilities | $152 | $172 | $20 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $92 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$811
per month
Only $811/mo in Manila 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 Manila on $1,500/month?
In Manila, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $609 rent, $461 groceries, $144 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Manila cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$811/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.