City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $841 | $109 |
| Groceries | $249 | $279 | $30 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $159 | +$32 |
| Transportation | $66 | $29 | +$37 |
| Utilities | $152 | $65 | +$87 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $127 | $17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$1,295
per month
Only $1,295/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Mexico City cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,295/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.