City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Montreal vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Montreal | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $732 | +$124 |
| Groceries | $231 | $249 | $18 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $191 | $49 |
| Transportation | $52 | $66 | $14 |
| Utilities | $90 | $152 | $62 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $110 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Montreal
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$1,358
per month
Only $1,358/mo in Edinburgh matches $1,500/mo in Montreal — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
Living in Montreal on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $231 to groceries, $142 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 Montreal or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Montreal 44.5 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Montreal worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Montreal equals ~$1,358/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.