What Is the Average Cost of Living in Edinburgh?

Living in a city can be quite the expense. It is important to understand the cost of living before you decide to move to any city, including the beautiful, historical city of Edinburgh. The average cost of living in Edinburgh is particularly high, making it one of the more expensive cities in the United Kingdom (UK) in terms of real estate and other general expenses.

Short-term Accommodation:

Short-term accommodation is available to those planning on staying in Edinburgh temporarily, however, even this will cost more than other cities in the UK. Airbnb, for example, lists prices of £96 per night for a two-person room with a private bathroom. Those looking for hostels may spend around £30 per night for a shared bedroom. Luxury hotels typically hover around £170-200 per night, with some being much more expensive than that.

Long Term Accommodation:

For those looking to stay in Edinburgh long-term, there is also no shortage of options. Buying a property in definitely an option and can be done to suit almost any budget. The average cost per square foot in Edinburgh is usually higher than the UK average, costing 121.25 GBP (or $154 USD) per square foot as of May 2020. This equates to an average detached house price of around 400,000 GBP (or $515,000 USD).

Monthly Expenses:

Additionally, monthly expenses in Edinburgh can typically start from around £1,000 (or $1,314 USD) per month and will vary quite significantly depending on how luxurious the accommodation is and any additional services that are included. This will cover the basic living expenses such as food, utilities, transportation and entertainment. Some services such as Wi-Fi can be added if they’re not already included and can cost around £25 (or $32 USD) extra per month.

Quality Of Life:

Despite the high cost of living in Edinburgh, there are many benefits to living in this beautiful city. It is consistently ranked in the top 10 cities for quality of life in the world and is home to a diverse collection of cultures and lifestyles. There is no shortage of museums, galleries and places of interest to explore and Edinburgh is often voted the most beautiful city in all of the United Kingdom.

Edinburgh also has an excellent public transportation infrastructure that includes trams, buses, trains and airport shuttles. Additionally, airports are conveniently located for both international and domestic flights. These benefits can help to make even the most expensive cities much more enjoyable to live in.

In conclusion, the cost of living in Edinburgh is quite high compared to other cities in the UK – especially for properties such as detached houses – with average monthly costs starting from around £1000 ($1314 USD). However, there are many benefits to living in such a beautiful city offering a high quality of life as well as a diverse range of culture and entertainment options.

Source: Cost Of Living In Edinburgh – LoveTheDat Blog

An Insider’s Guide to Living on a Budget in Edinburgh

Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland? As one of the most picturesque and culturally rich cities in the world, it can be tough for budget-conscious travelers. However, with a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can still enjoy all the best that this ancient city has to offer. Here is an insider’s guide to living on a budget in Edinburgh.

Cost of Living in Edinburgh

First things first, let’s look at the average cost of living in Edinburgh. Compared to other major European cities, Edinburgh is relatively affordable. However, as with most cities, prices vary depending on where you’re located in the city. To give you an idea of the costs, here are a few examples.

– Accommodation – Depending on location and type of accommodation, prices range from £25 to £100 per night.

– Food – From budget takeaway food to high-end restaurants, the average cost of food per day can range anywhere from £15 to £50.

– Transportation – The city’s efficient public transportation system includes buses, trains, and trams. A single journey fare starts at £1.70 while a day pass can cost £4.

Local Attractions and City Sightseeing

Edinburgh has so much to offer when it comes to local attractions and city sightseeing. Take a walk down the historic Royal Mile to see the Edinburgh Castle, where, for just £19, you’ll experience incredible views of the city and Scotland’s history. For art-lovers, the Scottish National Gallery of Arts can be toured for free and hosts diverse permanent and temporary exhibitions. If you want to take a break from the busy streets and simply enjoy the beauty of nature, head to Arthur’s Seat, a hill whose beauty captures the essence of Edinburgh’s outdoor landscape.

Dining and Food Spots

For a taste of traditional Scottish food, visit a local pub or restaurant and try the national dish of haggis, neeps, and tatties, which typically costs around £10. For a budget-friendly snack, look out for the Butternut Squash and Buckwheat salad from Hula Juice Bar, costing only £4, or the mac ‘n’ cheese from Oink on Victoria Street, priced at £3.50. These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods that you can find in Edinburgh without breaking the bank.

Cultural Experiences

Edinburgh has a rich cultural heritage and tradition, which you can enjoy without paying a dime. Visit the National Museum of Scotland, explore the Scottish Poetry Library on the Royal Mile or the Writers Museum and learn about the legacy of famous Edinburgh authors like Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle. Another unique cultural experience is visiting the well-loved Deacon Brodie, one of Edinburgh’s most famous pubs named after a notorious local figure.

Local History

Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, and there are a plethora of historic sites and landmarks to explore. Head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to discover the official Scottish residence of the English Royal Family, or stroll through the historic streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, which is one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites,in which significant events are chronicled. The Old Town tour will allow you to visit some of the most historic buildings and discover its intriguing dark side too, all for under £15.

Off the Beaten Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unique, why not get off the beaten path and explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems? You can take a tour of the Cigar Box Guitar Museum and learn about the history of blues music or visit the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. To break from the city’s bustling streets and reflect while enjoying nature, take a walk around the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh and enjoy the colorful array of plants and flowers it has to offer. You could also take the time to check out some street art or even join a walking tour that unfolds the graffiti trends and artists that give the city a vibrant hue.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and it is possible to enjoy all of it without spending much. Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, or nature, Edinburgh has something to offer that is budget-friendly. By following this insider’s guide, tourists will be able to maximize their Edinburgh experience, while also living on a budget.