City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Montreal — 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.
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $856 | $124 |
| Groceries | $249 | $231 | +$18 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $142 | +$49 |
| Transportation | $66 | $52 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $152 | $90 | +$62 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $129 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Montreal equivalent
$1,656
per month
You'd need $1,656/mo in Montreal to match $1,500/mo in Edinburgh.
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 Montreal on $1,500/month?
In Montreal, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $856 rent, $231 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Montreal cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Montreal 44.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Montreal?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,656/mo in Montreal using COL adjustment.