Cost of living in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in Edinburgh is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this iconic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19.49 on average, with a range between $12.65 and $31.62.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $94.86, with prices ranging from $75.89 to $113.84.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.85, with a range between $8.46 and $10.12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.06 to $8.22, imported beer $4.43 to $7.59, cappuccino $3.79 to $6.32, and Coke/Pepsi $1.26 to $3.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.13 and $2.28 per liter, averaging $1.57.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.59 and $2.53, with an average price of $1.66.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.21 to $6.07, averaging $3.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.26 to $4.43 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $6.32 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.86 and $2.53 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.89 to $1.26 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.53, with a monthly pass priced between $70.83 and $101.19.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.75 and $2.02 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.06, with a cost of $1.65 to $5.11 per km and $37.95 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1264.84 to $1897.26, averaging $1538.89.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $948.63 to $1517.81, averaging $1126.31.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2276.71 to $4426.94, averaging $2825.65.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1644.29 to $3162.1, averaging $2050.09.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6324.2 to $7108.4, averaging $6676.9.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4110.73 to $5059.36, averaging $4499.22.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $189.73 and $537.56, averaging $337.17.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.62 to $56.92, with an average cost of $40.82.
Cost of Living Rankings
Edinburgh ranks 3rd on the Cost of Living rankings in United Kingdom. The cost of living indices for United Kingdom are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United Kingdom, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Edinburgh offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Edinburgh are relatively moderate, though some items like cheese and beef can be more expensive.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Edinburgh can be quite expensive, especially in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with other major UK cities, though they can add up quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Edinburgh presents a varied cost of living landscape, with certain areas like housing and dining being more costly.
Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially if planning to live in the city centre.
Overall, Edinburgh offers a rich cultural experience and a high quality of life, making it a desirable place to live despite the higher costs.