City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $732 | +$210 |
| Groceries | $188 | $249 | $61 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $191 | $71 |
| Transportation | $33 | $66 | $33 |
| Utilities | $76 | $152 | $76 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $110 | +$31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$733
per month
Only $733/mo in Edinburgh matches $1,500/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $1,500/month?
Living in New York on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$942 to rent, $188 to groceries, $120 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 New York or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$733/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.