Cost of Living in Edinburgh: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

The average cost of living in Edinburgh is GBP 896, placing it among the top 24% of the world’s most expensive cities. It is placed 2195th overall out of 9294 cities, 30th out of 277 in the United Kingdom, and 1st out of 21 cities in Scotland. Edinburgh has a population estimate of 488K and is the ninth-largest city in the United Kingdom.

Edinburgh has top-tier universities that offer its students a safe and pleasant environment. If you’re planning to move to Edinburgh for your higher studies, it’s essential to be aware of the latest information on the cost of living in Edinburgh. This blog will cover the average monthly expenses in Edinburgh, including other necessary costs. For more information read this article till the end.

Categories	Approx Cost
Cost of Living (Monthly)	GBP 896
Cost of Rent (Monthly)	GBP 1,257
Cost of Food (Monthly)	GBP 345
Cost of Utilities (Monthly)	GBP 259
Cost of Transport (Monthly)	GBP 69

Cost of Living in Edinburgh Overview

The cost of living in Edinburgh depends on your lifestyle and your way of living, Edinburgh can be expensive to live in, however, you should budget at least GBP 896 per month for necessities without rent. However, this expense amount can vary significantly depending on an individual’s preferences, lifestyle and budget.

The cost of living in Edinburgh is affected by several key categories, accommodation, food and groceries, utilities, and public transportation. Understanding these expense categories is crucial to getting a clear picture of how much it costs to live in Edinburgh:

Also Read: Cost of Living in Helsinki: A Comprehensive Guide on Helsinki’s Expense

Cost of Housing and Utilities in Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, a one-bedroom flat typically costs from GBP 800 to GBP 1200 per month. You should prepare to pay extra if you wish to reside in a more central area. When living in an apartment, things like electricity, water, heating, and garbage pickup are crucial. In Edinburgh, residents typically spend around GBP 259 each month on these essentials. Below mentioned is the cost of housing and utilities:

Types of Housing and Utilities Cost	Approx Cost
Monthly rent for a room apartment	GBP 800 to GBP 1500
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas)	GBP 259
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio	GBP 1,003
Internet 8 Mbps (1 month)	GBP 32.24
Microwave 800/900 watt	GBP 87
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	GBP 11.53

Cost of Food in Edinburgh

Haggis, neeps and tatties, Cranachan, Scotch broth, Dundee cake etc are the famous foods in Edinburgh. On average, a lunch menu at an affordable restaurant costs around GBP 15, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about GBP 74. A cup of cappuccino typically costs around GBP 3.41, making it an affordable treat for anyone. Below mentioned is the cost of food:

Type of Food and Restaurant	Approx Cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	GBP 15.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	GBP 74.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	GBP 7.90
Cappuccino (regular)	GBP 3.41

Cost of Grocery in Edinburgh

If you are a student, cooking at a residence in Edinburgh is a smart choice as it can save you a significant amount of money. Grocery costs are a significant part of the cost of living in Edinburgh. Eating out or ordering food online can be expensive and impact your budget, given the overall cost of living in Edinburgh. For your convenience, the average cost of groceries in Edinburgh is detailed in the table below:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	GBP 1.19
Oranges (1kg)	GBP 2.69
Apples (1kg)	GBP 2.16
Banana (1kg)	GBP 1.04
Potato (1kg)	GBP 1.34
Tomato (1kg)	GBP 4.22
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	GBP 1.24
Onion (1kg)	GBP 1.08
Cheese (1kg)	GBP 8.82
Rice (white), (1kg)	GBP 1.40
Eggs (regular) (12)	GBP 2.96
Fresh White Bread (500g)	GBP 1.39

Cost of Transportation in Edinburgh

There are a variety of transport options available in Edinburgh including buses, trams, taxis etc. Typically, a standard transport ticket in Edinburgh costs around GBP 2.00. However, the costs associated with public transport in Edinburgh vary depending on the specific service used and the distance travelled.

One notable component of the total cost of living in Edinburgh that a student should consider is transportation costs in Edinburgh. To provide you with a better understanding, below mentioned is the cost of transportation in Edinburgh:

Way of Transportation	Average Cost
1 litre (1/4 gallon) of gas	GBP 1.49
Monthly ticket public transport	GBP 62
Taxi trip for each 1 km.	GBP 1.40
Local transport one way ticket	GBP 2.00

Cost of Clothes in Edinburgh

When shopping for clothes in Edinburgh, you’ll find a range of prices that cater to different budgets and styles. The city offers a mix of popular high-street brands and budget-friendly stores. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend: Below is the cost of clothes in Edinburgh:

Types of Item	Approx Cost
1 pair of jeans	GBP 87.39
1 summer dress in a high street store	GBP 37.75
1 pair of sports shoes	GBP 80.90
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes	GBP 89.89

Cost of Personal Care in Edinburgh

Living in Edinburgh, personal care expenses are an important part of the monthly Cost of Living in Einburg. These costs include items and services such as medicine, hair shampoo, toilet paper, haircuts, and toothpaste. Have a look:

Item	Cost
Cold medicine for 6 days	GBP 4.50
1 box of antibiotics	GBP 9
1 box of 32 tampons	GBP 3.07
Hair shampoo 2-in-1	GBP 3.84
4 rolls of toilet paper	GBP 2.39
Tube of toothpaste	GBP 1.44
Standard men’s haircut	GBP 21

Planning for these expenses will help you manage your budget more effectively and comfortably while living in Edinburgh City.

Cost of Entertainment in Edinburgh

In addition to the outlined expense categories for the cost of living in Edinburgh, there are additional miscellaneous costs worth considering before making the move. These expenses may become necessary during your time in Edinburgh beyond your academic or professional pursuits.
For your reference, we have compiled data on various miscellaneous costs, including sports and entertainment. Have a look:

Item	Approx Cost
Basic dinner out for two in the pub	GBP 40
2 tickets to the movies	GBP 20
2 tickets to the theatre	GBP 119
1 month of gym membership	GBP 34
Beer in a Pub, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz	GBP 5

The Cost of Tuition Fees in Edinburgh

The cost of the tuition fee depends on your degree which type of degree you want to apply and the duration of your degree is also considered, your living situation, and your lifestyle. However, you should budget at least GBP 15,000 for living and tuition costs per year. Along with the average cost of living in Edinburgh, tuition fees are very important. That’s why we have compiled a table below, showing the average tuition fees at some Edinburgh universities. Take a look!

Course Level	Starting Fee
Bachelor	GBP 18,900 per year
Master	GBP 15,000 per year

Cost of Living in Edinburgh Compared to Other Cities

When you compare the cost of living in Edinburgh to its nearby cities you will notice some differences. To help you understand better, we have compared the monthly cost of living in Edinburgh with nearby cities like London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, and Bristol without including the rent  The below table will show you how affordable Edinburgh is. Take a look and see how it affects your expenses.

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in London	GBP 1,102	Higher than Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Manchester	GBP 851	Lower than Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Glasgow	GBP 836	Lower than in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Birmingham	GBP 761	Lower than in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Brighton	GBP 880	Lower than in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Dublin	GBP 925	Higher than Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Toronto	GBP 866	Lower than in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Melbourne	GBP 808	Lower than in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Sydney	GBP 889	Approximately equal to Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Belfast	GBP 747	Lower than in Edinburgh
Cost of Living in New York	GBP 1306	Higher than Edinburgh

Also Read: Cost of Living in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide on Georgia’s Expense

Why Study at Edinburgh?

Apart from the reasonable cost of living in Edinburgh, it is well known for a variety of things, including its literary history, ancient cobblestone streets, and impressive architecture. There are several benefits to studying in Edinburgh, read mentioned below: 

• The city of Edinburgh is a desirable location for international students because it is home to some of the most famous universities in the world. 
• One of the oldest universities in the UK, the University of Edinburgh frequently ranks among the best universities in the world and Europe. 
• One of the top cities in the world to live and study is Edinburgh, which constantly makes the list. Edinburgh, which provides a distinctive and vibrant backdrop for your university experience, will win your heart and stay with you forever.

Things to Consider While Moving to Edinburgh

Apart from considering the cost of living in Edinburgh, there are several points you should consider at the time of moving into Edinburgh such as budget, job opportunities the climate of the city and other facilities which are provided to you. 

• Budget is the main factor and It is important to know the budget before moving anywhere, Edinburgh is a little expensive place so you need to consider a few factors such as food and accommodation expenses 
• In Edinburgh there is a lot of competition in terms of job opportunities, the job market in Edinburgh is very high, so you should start making good network connections with people because network building helps you a lot. 
• The climate of Edinburgh is like mild summers and cool winters, so you should prepare according to the climate of Edinburgh 
• Transportation facilities in Edinburgh are good, so you will be able to get around the city easily. 

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Arizona: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Wales: A Comprehensive Guide on Wales’s Expense
Cost of Living in Rotterdam: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Perth: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Living in Brussels: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses

FAQs on Cost of Living in Edinburgh

This was all about the Cost of living in Edinburgh, is you are also planning to study from Edinburgh and want to explore the university options contact Leverage Edu our experts will help you with the same.