The Verdict
Living in Budapest is 33% cheaper than Edinburgh.
If you move from Budapest to Edinburgh, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Budapest, you would need to earn about £69,333 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 Budapest:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Budapest | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £700 | £1,300 | +£600 |
| Monthly groceries | £168 | £336 | +£168 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £105 | £213 | +£108 |
| Public transport pass | £83 | £141 | +£58 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £104 | £166 | +£62 |
| Total Monthly | £1,161 | £2,155 | +£994 |
* 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 (33% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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 Budapest salary
| Salary in Budapest | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £52,000 | £22,000 more |
| £40,000 | £69,333 | £29,333 more |
| £50,000 | £86,667 | £36,667 more |
| £60,000 | £104,000 | £44,000 more |
| £80,000 | £138,667 | £58,667 more |
| £100,000 | £173,333 | £73,333 more |
Budapest vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 33%. Budapest is the more affordable option.
Rent: Budapest has a rent index of 35, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Budapest: £1,350/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Budapest wins 6, while Edinburgh wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.