City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $732 | +$109 |
| Groceries | $279 | $249 | +$30 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $191 | $32 |
| Transportation | $29 | $66 | $37 |
| Utilities | $65 | $152 | $87 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $110 | +$17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$1,737
per month
You'd need $1,737/mo in Edinburgh to match $1,500/mo in Mexico City.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
Living in Mexico City on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$841 to rent, $279 to groceries, $159 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 Mexico City or Edinburgh cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$1,737/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.