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Cost of Living in Edinburgh

Is it better to rent or buy in Edinburgh? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$62,016
$841/mo

Median in area: $841

$149,574

Median in area: $149,574

$29,915

If you Rent

$1,126 /mo
Base Rent$841
Est. Utilities$285
% of Income21.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,042

If you Buy

$1,245 /mo
P&I (6.983%)$795
Taxes & Ins$165
Est. Utilities$285
% of Income24.1%
Pre-tax Residual$3,923

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Edinburgh?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Edinburgh. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,126, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,245 per month (a difference of $119).

How much do utilities cost in Edinburgh?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Edinburgh is approximately $285. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Edinburgh?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Edinburgh without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $45,040 per year.