City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Edinburgh vs Monterrey — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Edinburgh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Edinburgh.
Monterrey
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 25.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Monterrey.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Monterrey | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $976 | $1,039 | $63 |
| Groceries | $332 | $430 | $98 |
| Dining Out | $254 | $230 | +$24 |
| Transportation | $88 | $45 | +$43 |
| Utilities | $203 | $100 | +$103 |
| Other / Misc | $147 | $156 | $9 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$2,000
per month
Monterrey equivalent
$1,285
per month
Only $1,285/mo in Monterrey matches $2,000/mo in Edinburgh — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Edinburgh on $2,000/month?
Living in Edinburgh on $2,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$976 to rent, $332 to groceries, $254 to dining.
Can I live in Monterrey on $2,000/month?
In Monterrey, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,039 rent, $430 groceries, $230 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Monterrey cheaper?
Monterrey is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Monterrey 25.9 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Edinburgh worth in Monterrey?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,285/mo in Monterrey using COL adjustment.