City Comparison
London vs Edinburgh
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Edinburgh is ~45% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
20.9
Groceries
49.3
Restaurant
52.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | London | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,503 | $930 | +$1,573 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,960 | $728 | +$1,232 |
| Groceries | $422 | $282 | +$140 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $18 | +$10 |
| Transit Pass | $113 | $75 | +$38 |
| Utilities | $258 | $172 | +$86 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | London | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,738/mo | $1,244/mo |
| Typical | $3,716/mo | $1,729/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,596/mo | $2,195/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in London | ≈ in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $829/mo | -$671 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,106/mo | -$894 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,658/mo | -$1,342 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is London or Edinburgh cheaper to live in?
Edinburgh is approximately 45% cheaper overall. London's COL+Rent Index is 72.9 vs Edinburgh's 40.3 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in London vs Edinburgh?
A 1BR in London city center costs ~$2,503/mo vs $930/mo in Edinburgh. Outside the center: $1,960 vs $728.
What is $2,000/month in London worth in Edinburgh?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in London has the purchasing power of approximately $1,106/month in Edinburgh.
Are groceries cheaper in London or Edinburgh?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $422 in London vs $282 in Edinburgh. Groceries Index: 73.9 vs 49.3 (NYC = 100).