The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 36% more expensive than Krakow.
If you move from Edinburgh to Krakow, you will pay less 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 £21,538 in Krakow.
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 Krakow:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Krakow | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £640 | £-660 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £147 | £-189 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £95 | £-118 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £77 | £-64 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £94 | £-72 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £1,052 | £-1,103 |
* 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: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (36% 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 Krakow to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Krakow | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £16,154 | £13,846 less |
| £40,000 | £21,538 | £18,462 less |
| £50,000 | £26,923 | £23,077 less |
| £60,000 | £32,308 | £27,692 less |
| £80,000 | £43,077 | £36,923 less |
| £100,000 | £53,846 | £46,154 less |
Edinburgh vs Krakow: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 36%. Krakow is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Krakow has 32.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Krakow: £1,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 0, while Krakow wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.