The Verdict
Living in Berlin is 0% more expensive than Edinburgh.
If you move from Berlin to Edinburgh, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Berlin, you would need to earn about £40,000 in Edinburgh.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Berlin:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Berlin | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,360 | £1,300 | £-60 |
| Monthly groceries | £287 | £336 | +£49 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £188 | £213 | +£25 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £141 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £176 | £166 | £-10 |
| Total Monthly | £2,152 | £2,155 | +£3 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Edinburgh to match a Berlin salary
| Salary in Berlin | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £30,000 | £0 more |
| £40,000 | £40,000 | £0 more |
| £50,000 | £50,000 | £0 more |
| £60,000 | £60,000 | £0 more |
| £80,000 | £80,000 | £0 more |
| £100,000 | £100,000 | £0 more |
Berlin vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 0%.
Rent: Berlin has a rent index of 68, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Berlin: £2,580/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Berlin wins 2, while Edinburgh wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.