The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 22% cheaper than London.
If you move from Edinburgh to London, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Edinburgh, you would need to earn about £51,282 in London.
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 Edinburgh:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £2,000 | +£700 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £350 | +£14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £250 | +£37 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £160 | +£19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £180 | +£14 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £2,940 | +£785 |
* 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 (22% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/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 London to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £38,462 | £8,462 more |
| £40,000 | £51,282 | £11,282 more |
| £50,000 | £64,103 | £14,103 more |
| £60,000 | £76,923 | £16,923 more |
| £80,000 | £102,564 | £22,564 more |
| £100,000 | £128,205 | £28,205 more |
Edinburgh vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 22%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.