Edinburgh
Glasgow

Edinburgh vs Glasgow — Cost of Living Comparison

Edinburgh
United Kingdom
VS
Glasgow
United Kingdom
Estimated average living costs are ~15% lower in Glasgow

Edinburgh

$2,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

540,000

Safety

72/100

Quality

78/100

Cost
75
Safety
72
Life
78

Glasgow

$1,750

avg. monthly cost

Population

635,000

Safety

56/100

Quality

70/100

Cost
64
Safety
56
Life
70

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~15% lower in Glasgow

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Edinburgh

$2,050

estimated per month

Glasgow

$1,750

estimated per month

Difference

-14.6%

Monthly savings

$300

Yearly savings

$3,600

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)

$64,024

-$10,976/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

ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,050.00$850.00
-19.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$750.00$600.00
-20.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,550.00
-22.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,400.00$1,050.00
-25.0%
ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$16.00$14.00
-12.5%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$65.00$58.00
-10.8%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$8.50$8.00
-5.9%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30$1.25
-3.8%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.30$1.20
-7.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.50$1.40
-6.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$3.00$2.75
-8.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$8.00$7.30
-8.8%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$2.10
-4.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$1.25
-3.8%
ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$65.00$70.00
+7.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.10$2.50
+19.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$4.00$3.80
-5.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.50$1.40
-6.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.70$1.70
0.0%
ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$200.00$190.00
-5.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$22.00$20.00
-9.1%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$35.00$33.00
-5.7%
ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$0.00$0.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$70.00$60.00
-14.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$12.00$0.00
-100.0%
ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$42.00$36.00
-14.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00$12.00
-7.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.00$3.70
-7.5%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$6.50$5.50
-15.4%
ItemEdinburghGlasgowDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$72.00$65.00
-9.7%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$35.00$30.00
-14.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$80.00
-5.9%

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

Frequently asked questions: Edinburgh vs Glasgow

Is Edinburgh or Glasgow more expensive?
Edinburgh is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 75 compared with 64 for Glasgow.
How much cheaper is Glasgow than Edinburgh?
Living in Glasgow is around 15% cheaper than Edinburgh, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Edinburgh and Glasgow?
Edinburgh scores 75 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Glasgow scores 64 — where New York City equals 100.