London vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Edinburgh is roughly 14% more affordable than London (index 42 vs 49, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Edinburgh
More affordable overall
14% cheaper than London · Cost index: 42 vs 49

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

49Cost Index42
4,030Median Income /mo2,650
68Safety Index78
22Income Tax %29
169Internet (Mbps)67
280Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

LondonCategoryEdinburgh
$2,980/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
48% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$1.61/liter
Meal for One
16% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$27/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
15% ← cheaper
$23/meal
$213/month
Monthly Transit Pass
58% ← cheaper
$90/month
$386/month
Utilities (Monthly)
15% ← cheaper
$330/month
$135/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

London

Internet169 Mbps
Coworking$280/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Edinburgh

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London cheaper than Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is cheaper than London. Edinburgh has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 49/100 for London (New York = 100), making it roughly 14% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Edinburgh than London?

Edinburgh is approximately 14% cheaper than London based on cost index scores (42 vs 49, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in London could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,586/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent comparison between London and Edinburgh?

In London, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,980/month. In Edinburgh, the equivalent is around $1,545/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — London or Edinburgh?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. London offers 169 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh has a cost advantage of 14%.

What is the average income in London vs Edinburgh?

The median net monthly salary in London is approximately $4,030 USD, compared to $2,650 USD in Edinburgh.

Compare London with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where London wins or loses.

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