London vs Edinburgh — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| London | Edinburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 85 | 68 |
| Rent index | 88 | 62 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | £2,200 | £1,300 |
A £35,000 lifestyle in London needs about
£28,000
in Edinburgh (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
London
By far the UK's most expensive city; rent dominates the gap to the rest of the country.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital; remember Scottish income tax bands differ from the rest of the UK.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the United Kingdom calculator and United Kingdom calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Edinburgh cheaper than London?
Edinburgh has an overall cost-of-living index of 68 versus London's 85, so it is cheaper by roughly 20%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in Edinburgh to match London?
To maintain a £35,000 lifestyle from London, you'd need roughly £28,000 in Edinburgh, based on cost-of-living parity (before tax differences).
Estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are estimates based on publicly available tax rules and may not reflect your full circumstances. See our methodology & sources (last reviewed June 2026). Always confirm with an official tax authority or a licensed adviser before making decisions.