City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United Kingdom
COL index 60.4
United Kingdom
COL index 87.6
Edinburgh vs London — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 31.1% cheaper than London for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Edinburgh | Metric | London | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60.4 | Cost of living index | 87.6 | +45.0% |
| €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 | €2,450 | +85.6% |
| €1,973 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,333 | +68.9% |
| €62,440 | PPP — net / COL | €43,053 | -31.1% |
| 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 London, you would need roughly €79,790 gross in United Kingdom (≈ €4,558 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,320)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (42.0%)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (78.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, Edinburgh carries a lower cost-of-living index; Edinburgh wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Edinburgh edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Edinburgh cheaper than London?+
Edinburgh is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Edinburgh 60.4, London 87.6 — a 31.1% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Edinburgh and London?+
Edinburgh sits at 60.4 on our COL index, London at 87.6. That works out to roughly 31.1% — Edinburgh being the cheaper of the two.
Is Edinburgh a good place to live compared to London?+
It depends on priorities. Edinburgh delivers €37,714 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 24.6% effective tax rate. London delivers €37,714 at 24.6%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,320 vs €2,450.
How do salaries compare in Edinburgh vs London?+
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 London.
Which city has lower taxes, Edinburgh or London?+
United Kingdom has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United Kingdom 24.6%, United Kingdom 24.6%.