City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Seattle — 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.
Seattle
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 67.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Seattle.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $932 | $200 |
| Groceries | $249 | $193 | +$56 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $123 | +$68 |
| Transportation | $66 | $34 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $152 | $78 | +$74 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $140 | $30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Seattle equivalent
$2,520
per month
You'd need $2,520/mo in Seattle 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 Seattle on $1,500/month?
In Seattle, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $932 rent, $193 groceries, $123 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Seattle cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Seattle 67.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Seattle?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$2,520/mo in Seattle using COL adjustment.