The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 14% cheaper than Melbourne.
If you move from Edinburgh to Melbourne, 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 £47,179 in Melbourne.
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 Melbourne:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Melbourne | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,900 | +£600 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £322 | £-14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £220 | +£7 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £136 | £-5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £171 | +£5 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £2,749 | +£594 |
* 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 (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,120/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Melbourne to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £35,385 | £5,385 more |
| £40,000 | £47,179 | £7,179 more |
| £50,000 | £58,974 | £8,974 more |
| £60,000 | £70,769 | £10,769 more |
| £80,000 | £94,359 | £14,359 more |
| £100,000 | £117,949 | £17,949 more |
Edinburgh vs Melbourne: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Melbourne has 95.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Melbourne: £3,120/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 4, while Melbourne wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.