The Verdict
Living in Barcelona is 6% cheaper than Edinburgh.
If you move from Barcelona 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 Barcelona, you would need to earn about £43,333 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 Barcelona:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Barcelona | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,300 | — |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £336 | +£73 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £170 | £213 | +£43 |
| Public transport pass | £125 | £141 | +£16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £153 | £166 | +£13 |
| Total Monthly | £2,010 | £2,155 | +£145 |
* 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 lower overall living costs (6% cheaper)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Edinburgh to match a Barcelona salary
| Salary in Barcelona | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £32,500 | £2,500 more |
| £40,000 | £43,333 | £3,333 more |
| £50,000 | £54,167 | £4,167 more |
| £60,000 | £65,000 | £5,000 more |
| £80,000 | £86,667 | £6,667 more |
| £100,000 | £108,333 | £8,333 more |
Barcelona vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 6%. Barcelona is the more affordable option.
Rent: Barcelona has a rent index of 65, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Barcelona: £1,892/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Barcelona wins 5, while Edinburgh wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.