Cost Comparison 2025

EdinburghvsLondon

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Overall

💰

+26.7%

Edinburgh is 26.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+88.9%

Housing is 88.9% higher

Dining

🍽️

+26.7%

Restaurants 26.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+14.3%

Food shopping 14.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Edinburgh, United Kingdom and London, United Kingdom reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Edinburgh is more expensive than London by approximately 26.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Edinburgh are lower than in London by 47%. A one-bedroom apartment in Edinburgh's city center costs around £1,200, while the same in London is approximately £2,500.

Dining out in Edinburgh offers significant savings compared to London. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £15 in Edinburgh versus £18 in London.

Public transportation in Edinburgh is more affordable, with monthly passes at £60 compared to £180 in London.

Grocery shopping in Edinburgh is more affordable by approximately 13%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Edinburgh can expect to spend approximately £518 per month (excluding rent), while in London, the same lifestyle would cost around £716. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about £1,813 monthly in Edinburgh versus £2,505 in London. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£1,200
£2,500
1BR Outside Center
£900
£1,800
3BR City Center
£2,200
£5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£15
£18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£60
£80
Cappuccino
£3
£4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£5
£6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
£1
Bread (500g)
£1
£2
Eggs (12)
£3
£3
Cheese (1kg)
£8
£10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£2
£3
Monthly Pass
£60
£180
Taxi Start
£3
£4
Gasoline (1L)
£2
£2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£180
£200
Internet (60 Mbps)
£35
£35
Mobile Minute
£0
£0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Edinburgh to London, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from London to Edinburgh requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Edinburgh

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index85

London

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh more expensive than London?

Yes, Edinburgh is approximately 26.7% more expensive than London overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Edinburgh compared to London?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your London salary when living in Edinburgh. For example, if you earn $50,000 in London, you'd need about $63,333 in Edinburgh for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Edinburgh and London?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 47%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

London offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, London provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Edinburgh if you prioritize cultural experiences, or London for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Edinburgh vs London?

In Edinburgh, a single person needs approximately £1,418 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £3,413. In London, these figures are £2,516 for singles and £6,005 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Edinburgh and London in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in London to maintain your lifestyle from Edinburgh

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers