City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Ho Chi Minh City vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $764 | $732 | +$32 |
| Groceries | $406 | $249 | +$157 |
| Dining Out | $94 | $191 | $97 |
| Transportation | $14 | $66 | $52 |
| Utilities | $108 | $152 | $44 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $110 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Ho Chi Minh City
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$2,723
per month
You'd need $2,723/mo in Edinburgh to match $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$764 to rent, $406 to groceries, $94 to dining.
Can I live in Edinburgh on $1,500/month?
In Edinburgh, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $732 rent, $249 groceries, $191 dining.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Edinburgh cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City equals ~$2,723/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.