City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
London vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $906 | $732 | +$174 |
| Groceries | $171 | $249 | $78 |
| Dining Out | $136 | $191 | $55 |
| Transportation | $46 | $66 | $20 |
| Utilities | $105 | $152 | $47 |
| Other / Misc | $136 | $110 | +$26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$829
per month
Only $829/mo in Edinburgh matches $1,500/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
Living in London on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$906 to rent, $171 to groceries, $136 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 London or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in London worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$829/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.