The Verdict
Living in Copenhagen is 34% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Copenhagen to Edinburgh, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Copenhagen, you would need to earn about £27,857 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 Copenhagen:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Copenhagen | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,400 | £1,300 | £-1,100 |
| Monthly groceries | £343 | £336 | £-7 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £263 | £213 | £-50 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £141 | £-11 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £194 | £166 | £-28 |
| Total Monthly | £3,352 | £2,155 | £-1,197 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 87/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,940/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (34% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Copenhagen salary
| Salary in Copenhagen | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £20,893 | £9,107 less |
| £40,000 | £27,857 | £12,143 less |
| £50,000 | £34,821 | £15,179 less |
| £60,000 | £41,786 | £18,214 less |
| £80,000 | £55,714 | £24,286 less |
| £100,000 | £69,643 | £30,357 less |
Copenhagen vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 34%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Copenhagen has a rent index of 120, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Copenhagen: £2,940/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Copenhagen wins 0, while Edinburgh wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.