Lothian

Cost of Living in Edinburgh 2026

Cost index: 118 (Scotland avg = 100) · 28% cheaper than London

Cost Index

118

vs London

28% cheaper

Avg Salary

£38,500

2-bed Rent

£1,250/m

Housing costs

Item	Cost
1-bed rent (monthly)	£950
2-bed rent (monthly)	£1,250
3-bed rent (monthly)	£1,650
Average house priceFull breakdown →	£325,000
Council tax (Band D)All bands →	£1,486/yr

Monthly expenses

Category	Monthly cost
Groceries	£280
Transport	£65
Utilities (gas, electric, water)	£165
Broadband	£32
Childcare (full-time nursery)	£1,150
Gym membership	£38
Total	£1,730

Eating & drinking out

Pint of beer

£5.80

Coffee

£3.80

Meal for two

£55

Salary & take-home pay

Average salary

£38,500

See take-home on £40,000→

Median salary

£33,200

See take-home on £35,000→

Browse other cities

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Data: Numbeo, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Zoopla, Scottish Government Private Rent Statistics, and local authority council tax schedules. Cost index: 100 = Scotland average. Figures are approximate and based on the most recent available data (April 2026). Childcare costs reflect full-time nursery averages.