Are you dreaming of studying in Edinburgh, Scotland? Well, you must be worried about the expenses and costs of living in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a beautiful city with an ideal blend of rich history and vibrant culture providing quality life and world-class education.
In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Edinburgh. This blog will also provide you with insights into accommodation, transportation, studying, and all the expenses you must be aware of while studying in the city.
Table of contents
- What is the cost of living in Edinburgh?
- Cost of Accommodation in Edinburgh
- Cost of Utilities in Edinburgh
- Cost of Studying in Edinburgh
- Cost of Food and Groceries in Edinburgh
- Cost of Transportation in Edinburgh
- Cost of Entertainment in Edinburgh
- Tips for Saving Money in Edinburgh
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Edinburgh
What is the cost of living in Edinburgh?
The cost of living in Edinburgh varies between GBP 1500 to GBP 2000. Edinburgh is renowned for its world-class lifestyle and quality education with world-class universities and some of the best student accommodations in the UK. It may vary as per the lifestyle and type of accommodation you have chosen. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh.
| Cost of Living in Edinburgh | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | GBP 780 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | GBP 915 |
| Cost of Transportation in Edinburgh | GBP 62 |
| Cost of Food in Edinburgh | GBP 447 |
| Cost of Groceries in Edinburgh | GBP 128 |
| Cost of Entertainment in Edinburgh | GBP 26 |
| Cost of Clothes in Edinburgh | GBP 70 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | GBP 1,513 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | GBP 1,648 |
Cost of Accommodation in Edinburgh
Finding a place to stay in Edinburgh can be a bit like solving a puzzle, but fear not! You have options. Edinburgh is one of the safest cities to live in the UK for international students. There are university accommodations available and a convenient choice for international students. Private rentals are also common, ranging from shared flats to studio apartments.
In Edinburgh, the cost of housing can vary depending on factors like location, type of accommodation, and amenities provided. Edinburgh can be expensive to live in, however, you should budget at least GBP 400 to GBP 1200 to pay off the monthly expenses of the student accommodation in Edinburgh.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent (GBP) |
| Shared Flat/Room | GBP 400 – GBP 600 |
| Student Halls | GBP 500 – GBP 800 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | GBP 700 – GBP 1000 |
| Studio Apartment | GBP 800 – GBP 1200 |
Also Read:
Cost of Utilities in Edinburgh
Electricity, gas, water, and internet are essential utilities you’ll need to budget for while staying in student accommodation in Edinburgh. Some accommodations include these costs in the rent, while in some of the student housing properties, you need to pay separately. With some precautions and mindful energy usage, you can save some from the utility bills.
| Cost of Utilities in Edinburgh | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Electricity | GBP 30 – GBP 50 |
| Heating | GBP 40 – GBP 60 |
| Water | GBP 20 – GBP 30 |
| Internet | GBP 20 – GBP 30 |
Cost of Studying in Edinburgh
If you are planning to study in Edinburgh, you are in luck! It is home to several world-renowned and prestigious universities like the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University. The cost of studying in Edinburgh varies somewhere between GBP 10,000 to GBP 35,000 as per the choice of the course and university. Here, we have compiled a list of top universities in Edinburgh with their tuition fees annually for your convenience.
| Cost of Studying in Edinburgh | Annual Tuition Fees (GBP) |
| University of Edinburgh | GBP 20,000 – GBP 35,000 |
| Heriot-Watt University | GBP 14,000 – GBP 22,000 |
| Edinburgh Napier University | GBP 11,000 – GBP 15,000 |
Cost of Food and Groceries in Edinburgh
Haggis and shortbread might be Scottish staples, but your grocery list will likely include more than just traditional things. There are several supermarkets dotted throughout the city and renowned for offering numerous things as per your budget. Cooking at home can save you money, but don’t forget to treat yourself to a meal out now and then. You will find some of the amazing restaurants and cafes in Edinburgh serving everything from budget-friendly bites to gourmet delights.
| Cost of Food and Groceries in Edinburgh | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Groceries | GBP 150 – GBP 200 |
| Dining Out | GBP 100 – GBP 150 |
| Coffee/Tea | GBP 30 – GBP 50 |
| Fast Food/Snacks | GBP 50 – GBP 80 |
| Basic lunchtime menu | GBP 15 – GBP20 |
| 1 litre (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk | GBP 6 – GBP 8 |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | GBP 2.91 GBP 3 |
| 1 litre (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk | GBP 1.03 – GBP 2 |
| 12 eggs | GBP 2.86 – GBP 3 |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | GBP 1.08 – GBP 2 |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | GBP 3.08 – GBP 4 |
| Cappuccino | GBP 2.93 – GBP 3 |
| Pepsi / Coke, 0.5 L | GBP 1.73 – GBP 2 |
Cost of Transportation in Edinburgh
It is really easy to get around on foot when you are in Edinburgh, but you may need to use public transport for longer journeys or on rainy days (which are not uncommon!). Some buses and trams will keep you connected to this vibrant city, with various ticket options available. With some monthly passes and extra discounts specifically for the students, you may end up saving some bucks.
| Cost of Transportation in Edinburgh | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Bus/Tram Monthly Pass | GBP 50 – GBP 70 |
| Train Pass | GBP 60 – GBP 100 |
| Bicycle Maintenance | GBP 10 – GBP 30 |
| Taxi/Uber | GBP 16 |
| 1 litre (1/4 gallon) of gas | GBP 1.68 |
Cost of Entertainment in Edinburgh
Studying hard is important, but so is taking time to relax and enjoy yourself. Edinburgh offers cultural experiences and unique attractions, from world-class museums to world-renowned festivals and concerts. Many attractions offer student discounts, so be sure to carry your student ID with you.
| Cost of Entertainment in Edinburgh | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Cinema Tickets | GBP 8 – GBP 12 |
| Concerts/Theatre | GBP 20 – GBP 50 |
| Eating Out | GBP 50 – GBP 100 |
| Miscellaneous | GBP 30 – GBP 50 |
Tips for Saving Money in Edinburgh
Living in Edinburgh doesn’t have to be expensive if you take the right approach to managing your costs. There are numerous ways to save money without compromising your quality of life. Here are some practical strategies that can help you live comfortably while sticking to your budget.
Housing Costs
- Rent a room in a shared flat/house instead of an entire apartment.
- Use platforms like SpareRoom, Gumtree, and local Facebook groups for flatshares.
- Students: Apply early for university accommodation for reduced rates.
- Consider renting outside the city centre (e.g., Leith, Portobello, Corstorphine) for lower costs and good public transport access.
Transportation Costs
- Walk or cycle to save money—Edinburgh is compact and walkable.
- Buy weekly/monthly Lothian Buses passes for buses and trams (cheaper than single tickets).
- Take advantage of Edinburgh’s bike lanes and cycle-friendly routes.
- Use car-sharing services like Liftshare to split fuel and parking costs.
Grocery Shopping
- Shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl for lower prices.
- Visit local markets like the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market for affordable fresh produce.
- Buy non-perishable goods (e.g., pasta, rice, canned foods) in bulk.
- Plan weekly meals and stick to a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
Saving on Utilities and Bills
- Use energy comparison tools (e.g., Uswitch) for cheaper electricity, gas, and broadband.
- Check if utilities are included in rent; budget for them if not.
- Save energy by turning off lights, using energy-efficient appliances, and insulating windows.
- Bundle internet and phone services with the same provider to cut costs.
Healthcare Costs
- Access free healthcare through the NHS (GP services, hospital care, and emergencies).
- Save on prescriptions with a Prepaid Prescription Certificate (PPC) for a flat annual fee.
- Be mindful that private healthcare services come with additional expenses.
By following these strategies, you can enjoy living in Edinburgh without feeling financially stretched. With a bit of planning and a few simple changes, you can make the most of the city while staying within your budget.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Edinburgh
The cost of living in Edinburgh varies between GBP 1500 to GBP 2000.
Yes, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. It’s worth researching and applying for these opportunities to help reduce the financial burden.
Generally, living off-campus (e.g., in shared flats/houses) can be more cost-effective than living in university halls of residence. However, the choice depends on personal preferences, budget, and availability.
It is advised to set aside at least GBP 200 to GBP 300 per month in your savings to meet any unexpected expenses. These can be such as emergencies, travel, or unforeseen circumstances.
Yes, many businesses in Edinburgh offer student discounts on various products and services, including transportation, entertainment, and dining. Make sure to carry your student ID card and inquire about discounts wherever you go.
To live comfortably in Edinburgh, a salary of around GBP 28,000 to GBP 30,000 per year is often recommended. This covers essential expenses and rent for a modest apartment.
You can save money on groceries by shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, or Tesco. Buying in bulk for non-perishable items and shopping at local markets like Edinburgh Farmers’ Market can also help lower costs. Planning meals in advance and sticking to a shopping list will reduce impulse purchases.
Edinburgh offers a variety of affordable dining options. You can enjoy budget-friendly meals at local cafes, fast-casual restaurants, and food stalls. Look out for lunchtime specials, student discounts, or BYOB restaurants, where you can bring your own drinks to avoid high alcohol markups. You can also use apps like Too Good To Go to find discounted meals at the end of the day.
The average monthly utility bill in Edinburgh for a single person living in a one-bedroom apartment is around GBP 120–GBP 150, which includes electricity, gas, water, and broadband. The costs may vary depending on the size of your property, the number of people living there, and how much energy you use.
Healthcare in Edinburgh is largely covered by the NHS (National Health Service), which provides free GP visits, hospital care, and emergency services to residents and UK citizens. However, if you require prescriptions, you may need to pay for them unless you qualify for exemptions. You can also purchase a Prepaid Prescription Certificate (PPC) to save money on prescription costs.
Hope you liked reading our blog about the cost of living in Edinburgh. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
Follow Us on Social Media
