Cost Comparison 2025

GlasgowvsParis

United Kingdom
France

Overall

💰

+21.4%

Glasgow is 21.4%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+84.2%

Housing is 84.2% higher

Dining

🍽️

+21.4%

Restaurants 21.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+38.5%

Food shopping 38.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Glasgow, United Kingdom and Paris, France reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Glasgow is more expensive than Paris by approximately 21.4%. 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 Glasgow are lower than in Paris by 46%. A one-bedroom apartment in Glasgow's city center costs around £1,000, while the same in Paris is approximately €1,800.

Dining out in Glasgow offers significant savings compared to Paris. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £14 in Glasgow versus €15 in Paris.

Public transportation in Glasgow is more affordable, with monthly passes at £70 compared to €86 in Paris.

Grocery shopping in Glasgow is more affordable by approximately 28%. 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 Glasgow can expect to spend approximately £496 per month (excluding rent), while in Paris, the same lifestyle would cost around €558. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about £1,737 monthly in Glasgow versus €1,952 in Paris. 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
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Paris, France

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£1,000
€1,800
1BR Outside Center
£750
€1,200
3BR City Center
£1,800
€4,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£14
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£55
€70
Cappuccino
£3
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£5
€7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
€1
Bread (500g)
£1
€2
Eggs (12)
£2
€4
Cheese (1kg)
£8
€18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
€2
Monthly Pass
£70
€86
Taxi Start
£3
€5
Gasoline (1L)
£2
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£170
€170
Internet (60 Mbps)
£32
€30
Mobile Minute
£0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Glasgow to Paris, 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 Paris to Glasgow 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

Glasgow

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index38
Purchasing Power Index80

Paris

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glasgow more expensive than Paris?

Yes, Glasgow is approximately 21.4% more expensive than Paris overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Glasgow compared to Paris?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Paris salary when living in Glasgow. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Paris, you'd need about $60,714 in Glasgow for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Glasgow and Paris?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 46%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Glasgow vs Paris?

In Glasgow, a single person needs approximately £1,246 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £3,037. In Paris, these figures are €1,758 for singles and €4,452 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Glasgow and Paris 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 Paris to maintain your lifestyle from Glasgow

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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