City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Edinburgh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $732 | $7 |
| Groceries | $316 | $249 | +$67 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $191 | $84 |
| Transportation | $63 | $66 | $3 |
| Utilities | $180 | $152 | +$28 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $110 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$1,457
per month
Only $1,457/mo in Edinburgh matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 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 Tokyo or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,457/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.