New York vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Edinburgh is roughly 58% more affordable than New York (index 42 vs 100, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Edinburgh
More affordable overall
58% cheaper than New York · Cost index: 42 vs 100

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

100Cost Index42
5,344Median Income /mo2,650
72Safety Index78
37Income Tax %29
450Internet (Mbps)67
400Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

New YorkCategoryEdinburgh
$5,161/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
70% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$5.43/liter
Meal for One
75% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
22% cheaper →
$23/meal
$120/month
Monthly Transit Pass
25% ← cheaper
$90/month
$275/month
Utilities (Monthly)
17% cheaper →
$330/month
$200/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

New York

Internet450 Mbps
Coworking$400/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability89/100

Edinburgh

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York cheaper than Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is cheaper than New York. Edinburgh has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 100/100 for New York (New York = 100), making it roughly 58% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Edinburgh than New York?

Edinburgh is approximately 58% cheaper than New York based on cost index scores (42 vs 100, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in New York could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,257/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent comparison between New York and Edinburgh?

In New York, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $5,161/month. In Edinburgh, the equivalent is around $1,545/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — New York or Edinburgh?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. New York offers 450 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$400/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh has a cost advantage of 58%.

What is the average income in New York vs Edinburgh?

The median net monthly salary in New York is approximately $5,344 USD, compared to $2,650 USD in Edinburgh.

Compare New York with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as New York

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Or explore:San Francisco

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed