City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Medellín — 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.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $617 | +$115 |
| Groceries | $249 | $445 | $196 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $189 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $66 | $61 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $152 | $97 | +$55 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $91 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$711
per month
Only $711/mo in Medellín 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 Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$711/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.