City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Seattle vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Seattle
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 67.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Seattle.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Seattle | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $932 | $732 | +$200 |
| Groceries | $193 | $249 | $56 |
| Dining Out | $123 | $191 | $68 |
| Transportation | $34 | $66 | $32 |
| Utilities | $78 | $152 | $74 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $110 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Seattle
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$893
per month
Only $893/mo in Edinburgh matches $1,500/mo in Seattle — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Seattle on $1,500/month?
Living in Seattle on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$932 to rent, $193 to groceries, $123 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 Seattle or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Seattle 67.7 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Seattle worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Seattle equals ~$893/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.