City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
New York vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Moderate
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in New York.
Edinburgh
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,141 | $2,441 | +$700 |
| Groceries | $626 | $830 | $204 |
| Dining Out | $398 | $636 | $238 |
| Transportation | $110 | $221 | $111 |
| Utilities | $253 | $506 | $253 |
| Other / Misc | $472 | $366 | +$106 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$5,000
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$2,442
per month
Only $2,442/mo in Edinburgh matches $5,000/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $5,000/month?
Living in New York on $5,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$3,141 to rent, $626 to groceries, $398 to dining.
Can I live in Edinburgh on $5,000/month?
In Edinburgh, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,441 rent, $830 groceries, $636 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 $5,000/mo in New York worth in Edinburgh?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$2,442/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.