How much does it cost to live in Edinburgh?


If you are planning to relocate to Edinburgh, Scotland, you should know from the start that you will need around $778 for monthly costs without rent or around $2,708 for a family of four.

The cost of living in Edinburgh is 12.5% less expensive than in the United States.

Compared to other cities in Scotland, Edinburgh is the most expensive. But it is still cheaper to live there than in London. 

Compared to other major cities in the world, Edinburgh is reasonably priced.

An average salary in Scotland’s capital is around $59,000 a year, or around $7,400 a month. 

Salary in Edinburgh starts at $22,000 (lowest average) to $389,000 (highest average).

For a single person without children living in Edinburgh, a salary of $37,357 is sufficient, but for a family with two working adults, you’d be comfortable with around $68,000.

How expensive is accommodation in Edinburgh

Monthly rental prices in Edinburgh start at $622 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center or around $450 outside the city center.

If you prefer more space, you can opt for a 3 bedroom apartment which can cost around $1130 in the city center and around $880 far from the city.

Compared to London, rent in Edinburgh is 12.38% cheaper and 226.76% cheaper than in New York. 

If you are looking to buy a house, you should know that Edinburgh house purchase prices start at $2370 per square meter (10.7 square feet) in the center of Edinburgh and $1415 price per square meter (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the city center. 

If you are on a budget, you could consider sharing a flat or a house and looking into renting in affordable areas like Stockbridge and Morningside, Calton, and Leith. 

How expensive is food in Edinburgh?

Food and drinks in Edinburgh are fairly reasonably priced. Expect to spend around $400 on monthly food costs.

Eating in a restaurant will cost you 33% less than restaurant prices in New York.

When it comes to groceries, you will pay 55.3% less than in New York.

A meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Edinburgh costs around $17, while a good cup of coffee goes for $3.40.

Prices on fruits start as little as $2.27 for a kilogram of apples or just a buck for a kilogram of bananas.

How expensive transport is in Edinburgh?

The best way to get around Edinburgh is by bus.

A single adult ticket costs $2, while a monthly pass is $67.80.

The public transport in Edinburgh is still 47.45% lower than in New York. 

Other means of transportation in Edinburgh include trams, taxis, bicycles, Uber, electric scooters, and more.

You can also rent a car for as little as $18 a day. 

If you are looking to save money on transport, the cheapest way to get around Edinburgh is by bicycle.

Edinburgh is very cycle-friendly, in fact, it’s the most bike-friendly city in the UK.