City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Monterrey — 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.
Monterrey
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 25.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Monterrey.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Monterrey | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $779 | $47 |
| Groceries | $249 | $323 | $74 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $173 | +$18 |
| Transportation | $66 | $34 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $152 | $75 | +$77 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $116 | $6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Monterrey equivalent
$964
per month
Only $964/mo in Monterrey 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 Monterrey on $1,500/month?
In Monterrey, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $779 rent, $323 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Monterrey cheaper?
Monterrey is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Monterrey 25.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Monterrey?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$964/mo in Monterrey using COL adjustment.