The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 27% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Edinburgh to Seattle, 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 £53,846 in Seattle.
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 Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £2,700 | +£1,400 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £357 | +£21 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £245 | +£32 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £141 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £176 | +£10 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £3,619 | +£1,464 |
* 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 (27% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£4,898/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 Seattle to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £40,385 | £10,385 more |
| £40,000 | £53,846 | £13,846 more |
| £50,000 | £67,308 | £17,308 more |
| £60,000 | £80,769 | £20,769 more |
| £80,000 | £107,692 | £27,692 more |
| £100,000 | £134,615 | £34,615 more |
Edinburgh vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 27%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Seattle has 135.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Seattle: £4,898/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 5, while Seattle wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.