Cambridge vs Edinburgh: Cost of Living Compared
A side-by-side comparison of rent, daily expenses, and quality-of-life factors in Cambridge (U.K.) and Edinburgh (U.K.). Data sourced from official government statistics, updated 2026.
Bottom line: Edinburgh is about 22% cheaper than Cambridge on a typical 1-bedroom — averaging £1,275 versus £1,625 per month. Full side-by-side breakdown below.
| Category | Cambridge | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Country | U.K. | U.K. |
| Currency | GBP (£) | GBP (£) |
| 1BR Rent Range | £1,180 - £2,070 | £850 - £1,700Cheaper |
| 2BR Rent Range | £1,610 - £2,820 | £1,000 - £2,200Cheaper |
| Groceries / mo | £480 | £300Cheaper |
| Transport Pass / mo | £140 | £73Cheaper |
| Dining Out / mo | £320 | £212Cheaper |
| English Level | 5/5 (Excellent) | 5/5 (Excellent) |
| Neighborhoods Tracked | 3 | 15 |
| Healthcare System | NHS (Public) | NHS (Public) |
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Overall, Edinburgh tends to be more affordable when comparing rent, groceries, transport, and dining costs. However, the two cities use the same currency, so exchange rates and local salary levels also play a significant role. Use our calculator to see what your specific salary means in each city.
Explore Cambridge
3 neighborhoods, rent data, and full cost breakdown in U.K.
View Cambridge detailsExplore Edinburgh
15 neighborhoods, rent data, and full cost breakdown in U.K.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or Edinburgh cheaper to live in?
On a typical 1-bedroom, Edinburgh is about 22% cheaper than Cambridge — averaging £1,275 versus £1,625 per month. Overall, Edinburgh is generally cheaper to live in across rent, groceries, transport, and dining, though costs vary by neighborhood and lifestyle.
What is rent like in Cambridge vs Edinburgh?
In Cambridge, 1-bedroom rents range from £1,180 to £2,070 per month across 3 neighborhoods. In Edinburgh, 1-bedroom rents range from £850 to £1,700 per month across 15 neighborhoods.
How do transport costs compare in Cambridge vs Edinburgh?
A monthly public transport pass costs £140 in Cambridge and £73 in Edinburgh. Both cities have well-developed public transit systems.
Which city is better for expats, Cambridge or Edinburgh?
Cambridge has an English proficiency rating of 5/5 (Excellent) and Edinburgh rates 5/5 (Excellent). Cambridge uses NHS (Public) healthcare, while Edinburgh uses NHS (Public). Both factors are important for expats considering a move.