Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Updated June 2026 · ONS data · HMRC 2026/27 rates
Edinburgh
Glasgow
See the Difference on Your Salary
Enter your salary to see the estimated monthly difference between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Full Cost Breakdown
Average monthly costs for a single person in each city (ONS data, April 2026):
| Cost | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bed avg) | £1,450 | £950 | £500 cheaper in Glasgow |
| Council Tax (est.) | £118 | £108 | £10 cheaper in Glasgow |
| Transport | £72 | £68 | £4 cheaper in Glasgow |
| Gas & Electricity | £137 | £137 | Same |
| Water | £52 | £52 | £0 cheaper in Edinburgh |
| Broadband | £36 | £36 | Same |
| Food (average) | £280 | £280 | Same |
| Total monthly costs | £2,145 | £1,631 | £514 lower in Glasgow |
Rent: ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. Energy: Ofgem price cap April 2026. Council tax and water are estimated averages.
Buying a Home: Edinburgh vs Glasgow
House prices from ONS UK House Price Index, March 2026. Stamp duty calculated using current SDLT rates for first-time buyers in England. Scottish and Welsh properties use LBTT and LTT respectively.
Calculate your buying timeline for Edinburgh →Salaries in Edinburgh vs Glasgow
Local salary medians derived from ONS regional pay data (ASHE 2025). Figures are estimates.
See Your Personal Numbers
The figures above are based on average costs. Enter your exact salary, current bills and savings in our Should I Move Simulator to see the precise financial difference for your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edinburgh or Glasgow cheaper to live in?
Based on average costs, Glasgow is cheaper to live in than Edinburgh. On a £40,000 salary, Glasgow leaves an estimated £514 more per month after average costs. Rent in Glasgow is £500/month lower on average.
How much more expensive is Edinburgh than Glasgow?
On a £40,000 salary, estimated average costs leave £543/month in Edinburgh and £1,057/month in Glasgow — a difference of £514/month. Over a year, that is £6,168.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Edinburgh vs Glasgow?
Based on average costs, a single person in Edinburgh typically needs around £4,350 gross per year for rent to stay within 33% of take-home pay. In Glasgow, that figure is around £2,850. Individual circumstances vary significantly.
What is the average rent in Edinburgh vs Glasgow?
The average rent for a one-bedroom property is £1,450/month in Edinburgh and £950/month in Glasgow, according to the ONS Private Rental Market Survey (April 2026). Glasgow is £500/month cheaper on average.
What is the financial difference between living in Edinburgh vs Glasgow?
On a £40,000 salary, Edinburgh leaves an estimated £543/month after average costs, while Glasgow leaves £1,057/month. The difference is £514/month or £6,168/year. Use the Should I Move Simulator to calculate your personal figures.
What is the average house price in Edinburgh vs Glasgow?
The average house price in Edinburgh is £290,000 and in Glasgow is £165,000, based on ONS UK House Price Index (March 2026). A 10% deposit in Edinburgh would be £29,000, compared to £16,500 in Glasgow.
All figures based on ONS data and HMRC 2026/27 rates. Rent from ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. House prices from ONS UK House Price Index, March 2026. Local salary medians derived from ONS regional pay data (ASHE 2025) — approximations only. Stamp duty calculated using current rates for England (SDLT), Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT). All figures are estimates only and do not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly. Last updated: June 2026.