City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United Kingdom
COL index 60.4
United Kingdom
COL index 55.1
Edinburgh vs Glasgow — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Glasgow is 8.8% cheaper than Edinburgh for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Edinburgh | Metric | Glasgow | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60.4 | Cost of living index | 55.1 | -8.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €37,714 | Net at €50,000 gross | €37,714 | 0.0% |
| €1,320 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,100 | -16.7% |
| €1,973 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,676 | -15.1% |
| €62,440 | PPP — net / COL | €68,446 | +9.6% |
| 24.6% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 24.6% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United Kingdom = €3,143 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Glasgow, you would need roughly €45,299 gross in United Kingdom (≈ €2,867 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (42.0%)
- +Lower rent (€1,100 vs €1,320)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (35.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, Glasgow carries a lower cost-of-living index; Glasgow wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Glasgow edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Edinburgh cheaper than Glasgow?+
Glasgow is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Edinburgh 60.4, Glasgow 55.1 — a 8.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Edinburgh and Glasgow?+
Edinburgh sits at 60.4 on our COL index, Glasgow at 55.1. That works out to roughly 8.8% — Glasgow being the cheaper of the two.
Is Edinburgh a good place to live compared to Glasgow?+
It depends on priorities. Edinburgh delivers €37,714 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 24.6% effective tax rate. Glasgow delivers €37,714 at 24.6%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,320 vs €1,100.
How do salaries compare in Edinburgh vs Glasgow?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €37,714/year (€3,143/month) in Edinburgh and €37,714/year (€3,143/month) in Glasgow.
Which city has lower taxes, Edinburgh or Glasgow?+
United Kingdom has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United Kingdom 24.6%, United Kingdom 24.6%.
More Edinburgh comparisons
More Glasgow comparisons
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