Sydney vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Edinburgh is roughly 17% more affordable than Sydney (index 42 vs 50, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Edinburgh
More affordable overall
17% cheaper than Sydney · Cost index: 42 vs 50

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

50Cost Index42
5,100Median Income /mo2,650
79Safety Index78
32.5Income Tax %29
84Internet (Mbps)67
600Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

SydneyCategoryEdinburgh
$2,143/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
28% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
25% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$22/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
4% cheaper →
$23/meal
$140/month
Monthly Transit Pass
36% ← cheaper
$90/month
$222/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% cheaper →
$330/month
$100/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Sydney

Internet84 Mbps
Coworking$600/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability70/100

Edinburgh

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sydney cheaper than Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is cheaper than Sydney. Edinburgh has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 50/100 for Sydney (New York = 100), making it roughly 17% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Edinburgh than Sydney?

Edinburgh is approximately 17% cheaper than Sydney based on cost index scores (42 vs 50, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Sydney could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,500/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent comparison between Sydney and Edinburgh?

In Sydney, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,143/month. In Edinburgh, the equivalent is around $1,545/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Sydney offers 84 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$600/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh has a cost advantage of 17%.

What is the average income in Sydney vs Edinburgh?

The median net monthly salary in Sydney is approximately $5,100 USD, compared to $2,650 USD in Edinburgh.

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