Cost of living in Edinburgh

1. 1

   Shared Room Rent (City Centre/Popular Areas)

   essential

   Expect to pay £650-£950 monthly for a room in a shared flat, often higher than the UK national average due to high demand. Prices vary significantly by location and flat size.

2. 2

   Council Tax Contribution

   essential

   A mandatory local government tax, usually split amongst flatmates. Students may be exempt or qualify for discounts. Expect around £50-£100 per person monthly in a shared non-student household.

3. 3

   Tenancy Deposit Scheme

   essential

   Your deposit (typically 1-2 months' rent) must be protected by a scheme like SafeDeposits Scotland. Ensure you receive confirmation within 30 days of paying.

4. 4

   Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)

   essential

   Understand your rights under Scotland's PRT, offering more security and no fixed end date. Familiarise yourself with notice periods for leaving your shared accommodation.

5. 5

   TV Licence

   essential

   If you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, a TV Licence is legally required. This costs £169.50 per year per household, often split between flatmates.

6. 6

   Contents Insurance

   recommended

   Protect your belongings against theft or damage. While not mandatory, it's highly recommended, especially in shared living spaces. Policies can be affordable.

7. 7

   Furnishing Costs (If Unfurnished)

   nice-to-have

   Some shared flats might be unfurnished. Budget for essential items like a bed, desk, or wardrobe. Look for second-hand items on Gumtree or local charity shops.

8. 8

   Cleaning Supplies & Household Items

   essential

   Factor in shared costs for cleaning products, toilet paper, and other household necessities. Setting up a rotating roster or communal fund works well.

9. 9

   Utility Bill Setup & Management

   essential

   Be prepared to set up or transfer utility accounts (gas, electricity) and manage shared payments. Often, one flatmate takes the lead.

10. 10

    Lease Agreement Review

    essential

    Thoroughly read your Private Residential Tenancy agreement. Understand clauses regarding maintenance, guests, and notice periods before signing.

1. 1

   Supermarket Shopping (Budget)

   essential

   Shopping at Lidl or Aldi can significantly reduce your grocery bill. Expect to spend £35-£50 weekly on essentials, comparable to other major UK cities.

2. 2

   Supermarket Shopping (Mid-Range)

   essential

   Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda offer wider selections. Budget £50-£70 weekly for groceries. Look for loyalty schemes like Clubcard or Nectar.

3. 3

   Local Markets & Produce

   recommended

   Visit Edinburgh Farmers' Market or Stockbridge Market for fresh, local produce. While sometimes pricier, quality is excellent and supports local businesses.

4. 4

   Convenience Stores (Express/Local)

   nice-to-have

   Tesco Express or Sainsbury's Local are handy for quick buys but generally more expensive than larger supermarkets. Use sparingly for budget control.

5. 5

   Meal Planning & Batch Cooking

   essential

   Plan your meals and cook in larger batches to save money and time. This is a highly effective strategy for reducing food waste and eating out less.

6. 6

   Packed Lunches & Coffee

   essential

   Bringing your own lunch and coffee to work or university can save £5-£10 daily, accumulating significant savings over a month.

7. 7

   Discounted Food Apps

   recommended

   Utilise apps like Too Good To Go to rescue surplus food from local cafes and bakeries at discounted prices, combating food waste and saving money.

8. 8

   Specialty Food Shops

   nice-to-have

   Explore international supermarkets in areas like Tollcross for specific ingredients, which can sometimes be cheaper than mainstream stores.

9. 9

   Water Filter Jug

   recommended

   Edinburgh's tap water is perfectly safe and tasty. Invest in a filter jug to avoid buying bottled water, saving money and plastic.

10. 10

    Buy Own-Brand Products

    essential

    Opt for supermarket own-brand items over branded alternatives. They often offer comparable quality at a fraction of the cost across all stores.

1. 1

   Lothian Buses Day Ticket

   essential

   An adult day ticket costs £5.00, offering unlimited travel on Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams for a full day. Ideal for busy sightseeing days.

2. 2

   Lothian Buses Single Fare

   essential

   A single journey costs £2.00, paid by contactless card or exact cash. Great for short trips, but day tickets are better for multiple journeys.

3. 3

   Ridacard (Monthly/Annual)

   essential

   For regular commuters, a monthly Ridacard (£64 for adults) offers unlimited travel on buses and trams, saving significantly compared to daily tickets.

4. 4

   Edinburgh Trams (Airport Link)

   recommended

   A single tram journey to the airport costs £7.50, a return £9.50. It's efficient but more expensive than buses for airport travel. City centre stops are standard fare.

5. 5

   Walking & Cycling

   essential

   Edinburgh is highly walkable, and cycling is popular. Consider a second-hand bike for local commutes, saving on transport costs and staying fit.

6. 6

   Electricity & Gas Bills

   essential

   Expect to pay £40-£80 per person monthly in a shared flat, depending on usage and insulation. Energy prices have been volatile, so budget cautiously.

7. 7

   Broadband Internet

   essential

   Shared internet typically costs £10-£20 per person monthly, depending on the provider and speed. Virgin Media, BT, and Sky are common providers in Edinburgh.

8. 8

   Mobile Phone Plan

   essential

   SIM-only deals are often the best value, ranging from £10-£20 monthly for decent data allowance. Networks like Giffgaff and Three offer competitive rates.

9. 9

   Water Supply & Waste

   essential

   Water charges are included within your Council Tax bill in Scotland, so you won't receive a separate bill for water consumption.

10. 10

    Taxi/Ride-Sharing Services

    nice-to-have

    Black cabs and apps like Uber are available but can be costly. Budget £10-£25 for a typical city centre journey. Use sparingly for late nights or emergencies.

1. 1

   Casual Dining Meal

   recommended

   A meal at a casual restaurant or pub will cost around £15-£25 per person, without drinks. Look for lunch deals or early bird specials.

2. 2

   Coffee & Pastry

   nice-to-have

   Expect to pay £3-£5 for a coffee and a pastry at one of Edinburgh's many cafes. Independent spots are abundant and offer unique experiences.

3. 3

   Pint of Beer/Glass of Wine

   recommended

   A pint of beer averages £5-£6, while a glass of house wine is £6-£8 in most pubs and bars. Prices can be higher in tourist hotspots like the Royal Mile.

4. 4

   Cinema Ticket

   nice-to-have

   A standard adult cinema ticket costs £10-£15. Look for off-peak deals, student discounts, or membership schemes at cinemas like Vue or Everyman.

5. 5

   Museums & Galleries

   essential

   Many of Edinburgh's world-class museums and galleries, like the National Museum of Scotland and Scottish National Gallery, offer free entry to permanent collections.

6. 6

   Live Music/Comedy

   nice-to-have

   Tickets for live music or comedy gigs can range from £10-£30, depending on the venue and artist. Many pubs offer free open mic nights.

7. 7

   Gym Membership

   nice-to-have

   Gym memberships typically cost £25-£50 monthly. University gyms are often cheaper for students. Look for off-peak deals or contract-free options.

8. 8

   Student Discounts

   essential

   If you're a student, get an NUS Totum card for discounts on food, retail, and entertainment across the city. Many places offer direct student deals.

9. 9

   Outdoor Activities

   essential

   Enjoy free activities like hiking Arthur's Seat, strolling through Princes Street Gardens, or exploring Portobello Beach. Edinburgh offers stunning natural beauty.

10. 10

    Edinburgh Festival Fringe

    nice-to-have

    During August, the Fringe offers thousands of shows. Budget for tickets (£5-£30+) and consider free shows or half-price hut tickets for deals.

• Act fast on housing viewings; Edinburgh's shared market is incredibly competitive, especially during student intake seasons. Have documents ready.
• Befriend flatmates early to establish clear communication on shared bills and house rules. This prevents future financial disagreements.
• Utilise the 'Too Good To Go' app religiously for cheap, quality meals and baked goods from local businesses, fighting waste and saving money.
• Invest in a Ridacard if you use public transport more than three times a week. It's a significant saving over single or day tickets.
• Explore Edinburgh's free attractions like museums and parks. There's so much to see without spending a penny, keeping your entertainment budget low.

This information is specifically tailored for Edinburgh, a city defined by its historic charm, significant student population, and a vibrant but competitive housing market. The local public transport network, specific utility structures, and unique cultural events like the Fringe all contribute to a distinct cost of living profile.

• Best neighborhoods
• Moving checklist
• First month guide
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Expat community
• Grocery shopping
• Coworking spaces
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette