City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $732 | $115 |
| Groceries | $445 | $249 | +$196 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $191 | $2 |
| Transportation | $61 | $66 | $5 |
| Utilities | $97 | $152 | $55 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $110 | $19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$3,165
per month
You'd need $3,165/mo in Edinburgh to match $1,500/mo in Medellín.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$617 to rent, $445 to groceries, $189 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 Medellín or Edinburgh cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$3,165/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.