How much do you need to live in Edinburgh?

A single person needs approximately £30,000-£45,000 salary (or £2,200-£3,000/month after tax) to live comfortably in Edinburgh.

Is Edinburgh expensive to live in?

Edinburgh is the UK's second most expensive city for rent after London, but still 25-35% cheaper than London overall.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and a premium UK city, with a single person needing £2,200-£3,200/month for comfortable living.

Expense	Budget	Moderate	Comfortable
Rent (1 bed)	£950	£1,200	£1,600
Council Tax	£130	£150	£180
Utilities	£130	£160	£200
Transport	£60	£90	£150
Food/groceries	£260	£330	£420
Eating out	£80	£160	£300
Entertainment	£80	£150	£280
Phone/internet	£45	£55	£70
Personal care	£40	£60	£100
Gym/fitness	£25	£45	£80
Clothing	£40	£80	£150
Savings	£90	£260	£500
Total	£1,930	£2,740	£4,030

Area	1 Bed Flat	2 Bed Flat	Room in Share
New Town	£1,300-£1,800	£1,800-£2,500	£700-£950
Old Town	£1,200-£1,700	£1,600-£2,300	£650-£900
Stockbridge	£1,150-£1,500	£1,500-£2,000	£600-£800
Leith	£1,050-£1,350	£1,300-£1,700	£550-£700
Bruntsfield	£1,100-£1,450	£1,400-£1,800	£600-£750
Gorgie/Dalry	£900-£1,150	£1,100-£1,450	£450-£600

Edinburgh is very walkable — many live car-free.

Living in Scotland provides several financial advantages:

Category	Edinburgh	London	Manchester
Rent (1 bed)	£1,200	£1,800	£1,050
Transport	£90	£250	£120
Monthly total	£2,740	£3,840	£2,590
vs London	-29%	—	+6%

Pros:

Cons:

Average house price: £310,000 (above UK average)

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