City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Edinburgh vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Edinburgh | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $732 | $725 | +$7 |
| Groceries | $249 | $316 | $67 |
| Dining Out | $191 | $107 | +$84 |
| Transportation | $66 | $63 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $152 | $180 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $109 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Edinburgh
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,545
per month
You'd need $1,545/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Edinburgh or Tokyo cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Edinburgh 40.3 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Edinburgh worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Edinburgh equals ~$1,545/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.