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
| Key Takeaways |
| Edinburgh is regarded as one of the safest cities in the UK for international students. Despite higher living expenses, the city’s vibrant atmosphere enhances the student experience. |
| The average cost of living in Edinburgh for international students ranges from GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation types. |
| Many establishments offer student discounts on transportation, food, and entertainment, helping to alleviate some financial burdens. |
Cost of Living in Edinburgh
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. The cost of living in Edinburgh varies between GBP 1500 to GBP 2000. 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
FAQs on Cost of Living in Edinburgh
Yes, living in Edinburgh can be considered expensive. The cost of living in Edinburgh for international students ranges from GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
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.
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.
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