Birmingham
Edinburgh

Birmingham vs Edinburgh — Cost of Living Comparison

Birmingham
United Kingdom
VS
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Estimated average living costs are ~14% lower in Birmingham

Birmingham

$1,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,150,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

68/100

Cost
65
Safety
55
Life
68

Edinburgh

$2,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

540,000

Safety

72/100

Quality

78/100

Cost
75
Safety
72
Life
78

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~14% lower in Birmingham

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Birmingham

$1,800

estimated per month

Edinburgh

$2,050

estimated per month

Difference

+13.9%

Monthly savings

$250

Yearly savings

$3,000

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$85,417

+$10,417/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$880.00$1,050.00
+19.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$620.00$750.00
+21.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,600.00$2,000.00
+25.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$1,400.00
+27.3%
ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$13.00$16.00
+23.1%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$55.00$65.00
+18.2%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$7.50$8.50
+13.3%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.30
+8.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.15$1.30
+13.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.35$1.50
+11.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.70$3.00
+11.1%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$7.20$8.00
+11.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$2.20
+10.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.30
+8.3%
ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$75.00$65.00
-13.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.80$2.10
-25.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$4.00
+14.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.35$1.50
+11.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.68$1.70
+1.2%
ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$190.00$200.00
+5.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$32.00$35.00
+9.4%
ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$0.00$0.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$60.00$70.00
+16.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$12.00$12.00
0.0%
ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00$42.00
+20.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$11.50$13.00
+13.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.60$4.00
+11.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$5.50$6.50
+18.2%
ItemBirminghamEdinburghDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$65.00$72.00
+10.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$30.00$35.00
+16.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$80.00$85.00
+6.3%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Birmingham vs Edinburgh

Is Birmingham or Edinburgh more expensive?
Edinburgh is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 75 compared with 65 for Birmingham.
How much cheaper is Birmingham than Edinburgh?
Living in Birmingham is around 13% cheaper than Edinburgh, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Birmingham and Edinburgh?
Birmingham scores 65 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Edinburgh scores 75 — where New York City equals 100.