The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 4% cheaper than Rotterdam.
If you move from Edinburgh to Rotterdam, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Edinburgh, you would need to earn about £42,051 in Rotterdam.
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 Rotterdam:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Rotterdam | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,560 | +£260 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £298 | £-38 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £205 | £-8 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £141 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £189 | +£23 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £2,392 | +£237 |
* 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 (4% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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 Rotterdam to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Rotterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £31,538 | £1,538 more |
| £40,000 | £42,051 | £2,051 more |
| £50,000 | £52,564 | £2,564 more |
| £60,000 | £63,077 | £3,077 more |
| £80,000 | £84,103 | £4,103 more |
| £100,000 | £105,128 | £5,128 more |
Edinburgh vs Rotterdam: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 4%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Rotterdam has 78.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Rotterdam: £2,666/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 3, while Rotterdam wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.