City Comparison
Edinburgh vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Edinburgh is ~45% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
20.9
Groceries
49.3
Restaurant
52.2
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Edinburgh | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $930 | $2,503 | $1,573 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $728 | $1,960 | $1,232 |
| Groceries | $282 | $422 | $140 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $28 | $10 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $113 | $38 |
| Utilities | $172 | $258 | $86 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Edinburgh | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,244/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $1,729/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,195/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Edinburgh | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,713/mo | +$1,213 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,618/mo | +$1,618 |
| $3,000/mo | $5,427/mo | +$2,427 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edinburgh or London cheaper to live in?
Edinburgh is approximately 45% cheaper overall. Edinburgh's COL+Rent Index is 40.3 vs London's 72.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Edinburgh vs London?
A 1BR in Edinburgh city center costs ~$930/mo vs $2,503/mo in London. Outside the center: $728 vs $1,960.
What is $2,000/month in Edinburgh worth in London?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Edinburgh has the purchasing power of approximately $3,618/month in London.
Are groceries cheaper in Edinburgh or London?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $282 in Edinburgh vs $422 in London. Groceries Index: 49.3 vs 73.9 (NYC = 100).