Cost of Living in Edinburgh (2026) — Monthly Budget

Wondering how far your salary goes in Edinburgh? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.

What things cost

One-bed flat, central EdinburghGBP 1,100–1,500 / month

One-bed flat, Leith or the outer districtsGBP 850–1,150 / month

Council Tax, Band C or D, single occupantGBP 120–180 / month after the 25% single-person discount

Groceries, one personGBP 220–320 / month

Lothian Buses monthly ticketGBP 63 / month, with the tram included on most tickets

Good to know

Population

≈550,000 in the city; ≈1.4 million in the wider region

Languages

English; Scots and Scottish Gaelic have official recognition, and Scots words are woven through everyday speech

Currency

Pound sterling (GBP) — Scottish banknotes are legal currency and occasionally refused in England, which is a nuisance rather than a rule

Time zone

GMT; BST (GMT+1) from late March to late October

Power plug

Type G, 230 V / 50 Hz

Climate

Temperate maritime — mild but wet and windy, with genuinely short winter days and long summer evenings

Driving side

Left

Latitude

55.9° north — further north than Moscow, with a December sunset before 3:40pm

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

A note on budgeting

Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Edinburgh checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.