The Verdict
Living in Austin is 7% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Austin to Edinburgh, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about £36,706 in Edinburgh.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £1,300 | £-600 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £336 | +£28 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £205 | £213 | +£8 |
| Public transport pass | £120 | £141 | +£21 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £166 | £-5 |
| Total Monthly | £2,704 | £2,155 | £-549 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£3,950/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (7% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Edinburgh to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £27,529 | £2,471 less |
| £40,000 | £36,706 | £3,294 less |
| £50,000 | £45,882 | £4,118 less |
| £60,000 | £55,059 | £4,941 less |
| £80,000 | £73,412 | £6,588 less |
| £100,000 | £91,765 | £8,235 less |
Austin vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 7%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 95, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Austin: £3,950/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 3, while Edinburgh wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.